Moulin, a film by László Nemes, is a chilling and stirring portrayal of French resistance heroism during World War II. The movie, set in post-WWII Hungary, follows the story of Jean Moulin, a French resistance leader who refused to talk under torture. The film's director, Nemes, is known for his previous works, including the Oscar-winning Holocaust drama Son of Saul and the elegant, mysterious drama Sunset. Moulin is a conventionally acted and directed wartime movie, shot in the sepia-subdued colors of an old photograph. The overall effect is reminiscent of Jean-Pierre Melville's film Army of Shadows and the 70s BBC TV show Secret Army. Despite its conventional nature, Moulin is a well-crafted and engaging film, with strong performances and production design.
The film's central character, Moulin, is played by Gilles Lellouche. Moulin is parachuted into France from London in 1943 to unite the resistance's quarrelling factions under De Gaulle's exiled leadership. He also faces the amorous advances of his civilian liaison, the fictionalized Comtesse de Forez (Louise Bourgoin). However, before any actual anti-German resistance activity can take place, Moulin is snitched on and finds himself under arrest at Gestapo headquarters. He is then faced with the horrendous psychopath and "Butcher of Lyon" Klaus Barbie (a lip-smacking performance from the tempestuous German actor Lars Eidinger).
The film's portrayal of Barbie is chilling and fascinating. Barbie's initial conversation with Moulin is a test of wills, with Barbie sizing up Moulin and amused by his sangfroid. Barbie's performance is a mix of malevolence and fascination, and his theatrical portrayal is sometimes too close to the sinuous malevolence of Hannibal Lecter. The film's portrayal of Moulin's battle of wills with Barbie is a mix of ruthlessness and refusal to spare captured comrades who had been promised clemency if only their leader would talk.
The film's overall effect is a mix of conventional and unconventional elements. While the film is a well-crafted and engaging mainstream drama, it may not have met the expectations of Cannes audiences. The film's final scene is sentimentally stirring, but the director tries to cancel this sugary moment with a final premonition of the death camps. Despite this, Moulin is a watchable and approachable film, with strong performances and production design.
In my opinion, Moulin is a fascinating and chilling portrayal of French resistance heroism during World War II. The film's mix of conventional and unconventional elements, strong performances, and production design make it a must-watch for film enthusiasts. The film's portrayal of Barbie's character is particularly fascinating, with his mix of malevolence and fascination. The film's final scene, while sentimentally stirring, is a reminder of the horrors of war and the sacrifices made by resistance leaders like Moulin.
