We don't KNOW if Mathilde really wanted to be killed, that was Luc Jardie's hypothesis he gave to Le Bison. Later, he admitted to Gerbier that it was only a theory. Maybe she just wanted time with her daughter. But at any rate, she had to be killed in order to save the network, she was ratting them out, a few at a time.
Sound implausible? Read "Story of a Secret State" by Jan Karski, a courier for the Polish resistance, later a Georgetown Professor of History. When he was rescued from Gestapo custody (in a hospital), he profusely thanked his underground rescuers. They told him bluntly they had two orders: one, to do everything possible to rescue him. If that failed, a second order became operational: kill him.
Disagree with your statement "if this was an American production..." This COULD NEVER have been an American production. America has never been occupied, like France, Poland, etc. Plus the Hollywood treatment would probably have Gerbier and Mathilde running off together to Biarritz.
Mathilde's daughter had no operational utility, so even if they knew where she was being held, they would not risk a suicidal rescue attempt.
This is not even worthy of debate. Melville was a member of the resistance, as was Joseph Kessel, the author of the novel. They both walked the walk, and talked the talk. It's how it was, it's how it is.
I could even argue that this film is the greatest WWII flick, even better than Casablanca, though that be heresy. Why? In Casablanca, entertaining and great as it was, with the witty dialogue, love story and all, I was always aware that I was watching a MOVIE. I LOST myself in Army of Shadows, it became REAL, then it STAYED with me for weeks. That's la différence.
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dottie70438
14 years ago
I just saw Army of Shadows yesterday on IFC. I had never heard of it but I found myself trembling and wanting these French Resistance members to win out in the end. I worked in Washington during this tine in the State Department so I was familiar with some of this but this movie looks like the real thing and I highly praise the author of the book and melville. It hurt me that Maltilda had to be shot but it was necessary for the resistance. I wish someone wuld give me the names of the resistance members in this film.
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fanaticita
14 years ago
I watched the Criterion edition of the film Army of Shadows last night and was worn out by the end. It was a gripping story, and the fact that it was true made it more compelling. Europe certainly went through some horrifying times during WWII. I've seen several films recently about various resistance groups and I'm humbled by their bravery and determination.
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