Finally followed through on Kenta McGrath’s recommendation and watched Beau Travail (1999). I’d already seen the ending multiple times with its use of Corona’s ‘Rhythm Of The Night’ but I was still surprised by the elliptical way the film unfolded. Even though it is told through Galoup’s narration (Denis Lavant, amazing) of his time in the French Foreign Legion in Djibouti, nothing is given away – it’s all in the gazes and the abstract, balletic displays of physicality as the troop of men train and exercise in the desert. The push and pull between Gallup and the new young, heroic recruit (Gregoire Colin) and the sauve but silent commander Bruno (Michel Subor) drives the strange energy and tone. Director Claire Denis creates a great sense of place, the way the locals view and interact with the legion who both seem out of place but also in a limbo they crave. With all the men and testosterone on display, the style was totally different to what I expected. I am happy that I’ve finally watched a Claire Denis film, and such a modern classic as this, and at least have context for that brilliant finale. Recommended.
VHS Tracking 