The films of Robert Bresson have a special place in the history of cinema for their sheer poetry unmatched by any other director past or present. The films are austere and precise in the extreme. Even the emotions have been deliberately drained out; histrionics are non-existent and use of music minimal. Like poetry, it's not everyone's cup of tea. However, for those who develop the taste for it, the impact is indescribably beautiful.
Au Hasard Balthazar is the pinnacle of his artistic achievement (followed closely by Mouchette).
It's the story of human exploitation and cruelty to animals as well as to other humans. The protagonist is a donkey at the receiving end from his various owners, ranging from sadists, drunks and money-minded. The only one who has some soft spot for him is a young girl, who herself is a subject of exploitation and cruelty by some of the same people. The last scene of death of the donkey among a flock of sheep is among the finest in the history of cinema.
Au Hasard Balthazar is the pinnacle of his artistic achievement (followed closely by Mouchette).
It's the story of human exploitation and cruelty to animals as well as to other humans. The protagonist is a donkey at the receiving end from his various owners, ranging from sadists, drunks and money-minded. The only one who has some soft spot for him is a young girl, who herself is a subject of exploitation and cruelty by some of the same people. The last scene of death of the donkey among a flock of sheep is among the finest in the history of cinema.