In another review I spoke of those films that are not just "tens', but elevens, the touchstones of cinematic art. Having seen this film, I would, without doubt, classify it as an "eleven'. Rarely has a parable of Sin and redemption been presented with greater precision and clarity. Bresson as been called a "jansenist ' film maker: it would be more accurate to call him a "Pascalian'. In its formal precision, this film embodies what Pascal called "Le Esprit de Geometrie": in its emotional wallop, it embodies what he called "Le esprit de Finesse". Bresson shows, by the skill with which he portrays both the sensual attractions of evil and the sudden, startling light of grace, thats he fully understands the reasons of the heart.
Review of Pickpocket
