La Bete Humaine

Watch La Bete Humaine

  • NR
  • 1938
  • 1 hr 40 min
  • 7.5  (8,359)

La Bete Humaine (The Human Beast) is a French classic noir film from 1938. Directed by Jean Renoir, the movie features a star-studded cast including Jean Gabin, Julien Carette, and Simone Simon. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Emile Zola. The story follows train driver Jacques Lantier (played by Jean Gabin), who is haunted by homicidal impulses stemming from his childhood trauma. Lantier falls in love with the beautiful Séverine (played by Simone Simon), who is unhappily married to his colleague Roubaud (played by Fernand Ledoux). Their story of love, passion, and murder unfolds on the train tracks of rural France.

The film begins with Lantier arriving at his new place of employment, a railway station in the French countryside. He is a brooding, intensely private man with a severe nervous disorder. Despite his internal struggles, Lantier is an experienced and highly skilled driver, and quickly becomes known for his speed and daring on the tracks.

One day, Lantier witnesses a murder committed by Roubaud and Séverine, who have killed her abusive husband. Lantier is both horrified by the act and drawn to Séverine's beauty. Despite his better judgment, he becomes involved with her, and they begin a passionate affair.

As the story unfolds, we see Lantier struggling with his inner demons, trying to keep his homicidal urges at bay. He takes to drinking to forget his troubles, which only adds to his instability. Meanwhile, Roubaud suspects that Lantier knows about the murder and becomes paranoid that he will talk to the authorities. Tensions rise between the three characters, and the situation becomes increasingly volatile.

The train itself is a key character in the film, and much of the action takes place on or around it. The train, in a sense, represents the characters' inner turmoil, hurtling towards an inevitable, explosive conclusion. The frenetic pace of the train is mirrored in the chaotic lives of the characters, who seem unable to escape their fates.

The acting in La Bete Humaine is superb, with Jean Gabin delivering an unforgettable performance as the dark and brooding Lantier. Simone Simon is equally impressive as Séverine, conveying both her beauty and her underlying sadness. Supporting actors Julien Carette and Fernand Ledoux also give memorable performances.

The film is shot in stark black and white, which adds to the gritty and claustrophobic atmosphere. The cinematography is masterful, with the train itself becoming a character in the story. The scenes of the train hurtling through the French countryside are both beautiful and terrifying.

Overall, La Bete Humaine is a dark and brooding masterpiece of French cinema. It explores themes of love, passion, and murder in a way that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. The film's unflinching portrayal of its flawed characters makes for compelling viewing, and its stunning visuals and skilled direction make it a true classic of the genre.

La Bete Humaine
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Description
  • Release Date
    1938
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 40 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.5  (8,359)