cinema history class: mr. klein (1976)

 

As always, there may be spoilers here. And the trailer may be NSFW and/or NSFL.

Session: Bring Your Own Movie Month (Week 5, Ethan)
Movie: Mr. Klein (1976)
Directed by Joseph Losey

Plot:

Occupied Paris, 1942. An art dealer is caught up in a case of mistaken identity. The authorities think he's a Jew and they're closing in.  Horror ensues.

Reaction and Other Folderol:

I loved the drama and intrigue of Mr. Klein. What caused the mistaken identity -- pure (but unbelievable) coincidence? vendetta? other? It's never really explained. But in a sense that's part of what I like about the film -- instead of spoonfeeding explanations for everything, it leaves the viewer guessing.

I particularly enjoyed the way the main character, Robert Klein (Alain Delon) descends into obsession with the Jewish Robert Klein. He is on the verge of escaping, but he throws away his freedom in order to confront his namesake. Then, later, as his friends come through with the papers he needs to prove that he's not Jewish, he insists on following the Jews being herded to cattle cars. Certain that he—as a gentile—is invulnerable, and determined to face the Jew with his name, he climbs onto the train, bound for God knows what.

Others in the room felt the movie went off on too many tangents, and was hard to follow. They felt that the producers could have cut a half hour without losing anything. Maybe they have a point. In fact, if I had had the benefit of their comments before deciding my grade, I might not have given it a 10. But I make a point of deciding what I'm giving a film before I hear the others' comments.

There were, in retrospect, some points that were confusing. Others felt that Klein's father's reaction to questions of identity revealed—through the tone of his protests—that there really was Jewish blood in the family. I didn't see it that way. but it was interesting to hear that alternate interpretation.

I note that the disc we watched is in French with English subtitles. The subtitles were in white, which sometimes made them hard to read. I don't think the movie should be penalized for this, but it can affect an anglophone's enjoyment.

Ratings

Me: 10

Bob-O: 7.4

Christina: 7.2

Dave: 9

Joe: 9.5

Keith: 8