MovieChat Forums > Les enfants du paradis (1946) Discussion > what is your favorite moment?

what is your favorite moment?

posted 19 years ago by itsallhappening2
42 replies | jump to latest

i dont know how often this page gets looked at but i wanted to ask anybody to offer up their favorite moment in this beautiful film. i'm a film student at columbia university and im currently working on my senior thesis. i've decided to try to define the "cinematic moment" (i.e. any particular image, scene, instant, etc. that sticks out in your memory). 'les enfants du paradis' is filled with them, which is why i chose it for my topic. it's also relevant because carne and prevert were concerned with constructing and creating these "moments" in the film.
i want anyone who cares to to describe ANY (and i do mean any) image that sticks out for them from this film. thanks for your help.

[–] 17 years ago

[deleted]

[–] we2 17 years ago

on stage where Baptiste attempts to hang himself. The child taking his rope and using it to skip, then the washer woman using another piece he had to hang her laundry.

[–] allenrogerj 17 years ago

When Lacenaire walks into Montray's cubicle in the Turkish Bath; Montray realises he is going to die but readies himself to die well, while Lacenaire's acolyte appears to have an orgasm at the unseen murder. Frightening, sums up the natures of all the characters and perfectly appropriate.

[–] multiplepov-1 17 years ago

I think you're completely mistaken about Lacenaire's acolyte. He's a timid soul (remember, Frederick commented on him that there are nice people in every profession). He's trying not to vomit as he turns away from the unseen murder while still faithfully standing guard.

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"I've always resisted the notion that knowledge ruined paradise." Prof. Xavier

[–] multiplepov-1 17 years ago

As far as memorable moments, the most memorable to me is when Baptiste, not yet realizing the beggar isn't blind, is explaining why he is out so late.

Baptiste: "To see."
Beggar: "To see what?"
"Baptiste: "Everything."

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"I've always resisted the notion that knowledge ruined paradise." Prof. Xavier

[–] LeofricsBeloved 17 years ago

1) The image of Nathalie pleading Baptiste to stay after he runs off to chase Garance.

2) Garance in a carriage, perhaps even psychically knowing Baptiste is chasing her amid the Carnival crowds.

Do you know where I'm going? Anton Chigurh No Country for Old Men

[–] brucedgo 16 years ago

2) Garance in a carriage, perhaps even psychically knowing Baptiste is chasing her amid the Carnival crowds.

Incredible scene!

I watched this again a few days ago. I was looking forward to that particular scene and was shocked to find it only lasted maybe three seconds. It's amazing that something so short and simple has been indelibly imprinted on my mind.

"The more you drive, the less intelligent you are"
-- Repo Man

[–] lildark 17 years ago

Too late for your thesis, but anyway.

I first saw it as a young child, I didn't understand much of course, and I remembered nothing about it except scattered images among which JL Barrault's pantomime with the rope. This scene made me a very vivid impression and lingered in my memory for years, sometimes obsessively, though I had totally forgotten where it was from. I got to see the movie again as a teen, and was extremely excited to find this scene back. There are more subtle or interesting moments in the movie, and it's a bit of a paradox to choose a pantomime in a movie with such sparkling dialogues, but I think it's still this one scene that strikes me over any other.

[–] Gloede_The_Saint 16 years ago

All the pantomime scenes, what intensity. Also the scene were Frederic adds his own twist to the play.

Somebody here has been drinking and I'm sad to say it ain't me - Allan Francis Doyle

[–] 16 years ago

[deleted]

[–] burthelukyman 13 years ago

A thesis on Cinematic moments, hmmm ? Then you HAVE to include TWO from THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN : The encounter between the monster and the blind hermit, and the appearance of the bride at the end !

[–] PoppyTransfusion 12 years ago

There are lots of funny moments that I enjoyed but my two favourite moments were more serious and both occurred when Garance was in box 7 at the theatre watching Baptiste. The first was the visit by Lemaitre and the feelings of jealousy he experiences that lead him to declare he could play Othello at last. The second was when Baptiste's son appears to talk with Garance at his mother's instigation and finds her to be beautiful. Both of these scenes feature Arletty wearing a most beautiful veil that sparkles and shimmers as the emotions change.

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