11 Best Marcel Carné Films: The Poet of French Poetic Realism (2024)

Marcel Carné was a French film director who is best known for his poetic realism films that were popular in France during the 1930s and 1940s.

His films often portrayed the struggles of working-class people and were characterized by their melancholic and romantic tone.

Here are three of Marcel Carné’s best films:

“Le Jour se lève” (1939): This film is often considered one of Carné’s masterpieces and is a classic of the poetic realism genre.

The film follows the story of a working-class man named François who kills his rival in a fit of jealousy and then barricades himself in his apartment as the police try to capture him.

The film is notable for its innovative narrative structure and its powerful performances, particularly that of actor Jean Gabin.

“Les Enfants du paradis” (1945): This film is often regarded as one of the greatest French films ever made and is a landmark of poetic realism.

The film tells the story of four characters who become entangled in a love triangle in the world of the Parisian theater during the 19th century.

The film is known for its extravagant production design, its sweeping romance, and its exploration of the nature of art and creativity.

“Hôtel du Nord” (1938): This film is another classic of the poetic realism genre and is known for its dark and moody atmosphere.

The film is set in a run-down hotel in the working-class district of Paris and follows the intersecting lives of the various guests and staff. The film is notable for its striking visual style and its evocative portrayal of the seedy underbelly of Parisian life.

Best Marcel Carné Films

Let’s jump right into the top films by Marcel Carné.

1. Children of Paradise (1945)

“Children of Paradise” is a 1945 French film directed by Marcel Carné and written by Jacques Prévert.

The film is set in the theatrical world of 19th-century Paris and follows the lives and loves of four men and one woman, all of whom are drawn together in a tangled web of passion, jealousy, and betrayal.

The film is widely considered a masterpiece of French cinema, renowned for its lush cinematography, intricate storytelling, and powerful performances by its cast.

The film’s epic scope and ambitious storytelling have earned it a place among the greatest films ever made.

“Children of Paradise” was produced during the German occupation of France, and its creation was a feat of artistic defiance against the oppressive regime.

Despite the difficult circumstances of its production, the film is a testament to the enduring power of art in the face of adversity, and it remains a landmark achievement in the history of cinema.

The film has been widely acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, and its influence can be seen in numerous subsequent works of cinema. It is a timeless and deeply moving portrait of human desire and ambition, and a testament to the enduring power of love in even the darkest of times.

If you like Marcel Carne’s work, on our sister site AuteurGraph we have a profile page, a visual film timeline, and a ratings page that gives a tonne of info and data about their career in a visualized form.

2. Hotel du Nord (1938)

“Hotel du Nord” is a French film released in 1938, directed by Marcel Carné and starring Annabella, Jean-Pierre Aumont, and Louis Jouvet. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Eugène Dabit.

The story takes place in a run-down hotel located near the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris. The hotel is home to a variety of characters, including a young couple named Renée and Pierre (played by Annabella and Jean-Pierre Aumont), who are planning to commit suicide together.

However, their plans are disrupted when they encounter a mysterious older man named Monsieur Edmond (played by Louis Jouvet), who offers them a glimpse of hope and redemption.

The film is known for its atmospheric portrayal of Parisian life, as well as its exploration of themes such as love, death, and the search for meaning in a harsh and unforgiving world.

The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, and the film is notable for its realistic depiction of working-class life in pre-World War II France.

“Hotel du Nord” is considered a classic of French cinema, and is often cited as one of the best examples of poetic realism, a cinematic movement that emerged in France in the 1930s and sought to capture the beauty and tragedy of everyday life.

3. Le Jour Se Leve (1939)

“Le Jour Se Leve” (Daybreak) is a 1939 French film directed by Marcel Carné, with a screenplay by Jacques Prévert.

The film tells the story of a man named François (played by Jean Gabin), who has been driven to murder by a love triangle involving himself, his lover Françoise (Jacqueline Laurent), and her abusive former boyfriend Valentin (Jules Berry).

The film is a prime example of poetic realism, a film movement that emerged in France in the late 1930s and focused on realistic depictions of working-class life.

One of the key characteristics of “Le Jour Se Leve” is its use of flashbacks to tell the story.

The film begins with François barricading himself in his apartment after shooting Valentin, and the rest of the film is told through a series of flashbacks that detail the events leading up to the shooting. This non-linear narrative style was innovative for its time and helped to elevate the film’s emotional impact.

Another notable aspect of “Le Jour Se Leve” is its visual style. The film is shot in a moody, atmospheric style that emphasizes the stark contrast between light and dark. The use of shadows and silhouettes adds to the film’s sense of foreboding and tension.

Overall, “Le Jour Se Leve” is a masterful example of French cinema from the pre-war era. Its innovative storytelling, striking visual style, and powerful performances have earned it a reputation as a classic of French cinema and a landmark of the poetic realism movement.

4. La fleur de l’âge (1947)

“La fleur de l’âge” is a French film released in 1947, directed by Marcel Carné. The title translates to “The Flower of the Age” in English. The film is a romantic drama set in Paris during the 1930s.

The story revolves around a young woman named Dominique (played by Simone Signoret), who falls in love with an older man named Roberte (played by Serge Reggiani).

Roberte is a wealthy businessman who is initially hesitant to pursue a relationship with Dominique due to their age difference, but eventually gives in to his feelings for her.

As their relationship deepens, Dominique and Roberte face a number of challenges, including disapproval from society and Roberte’s own fears about growing old. The film explores themes of love, aging, and the passage of time.

“La fleur de l’âge” is considered a classic of French cinema and is praised for its performances, particularly those of Signoret and Reggiani.

It is also notable for its poetic visual style and its evocative portrayal of Paris during the 1930s.

5. Port of Shadows (1938)

“Port of Shadows” (French title: “Le Quai des brumes”) is a 1938 French film directed by Marcel Carné and starring Jean Gabin and Michèle Morgan.

The film is widely regarded as a classic of French cinema and is considered one of the best examples of the poetic realism genre.

The film follows a soldier named Jean who deserts the army and arrives in the foggy port town of Le Havre.

He meets a young woman named Nelly and falls in love with her, but their relationship is complicated by a series of dangerous and violent events involving gangsters and criminals.

“Port of Shadows” explores themes of love, despair, and the struggle to find meaning in a harsh and unpredictable world.

The film’s stunning black-and-white cinematography, moody atmosphere, and haunting score create a sense of timeless melancholy that has captivated audiences for decades.

“Port of Shadows” was initially controversial due to its dark themes and depiction of society’s underbelly, but it has since been recognized as a masterpiece of French cinema.

The film’s influence can be seen in many subsequent works of art, from the films of the French New Wave to contemporary crime dramas.

6. Bizarre, Bizarre (1937)

“Bizarre, Bizarre” (French title: “Drôle de Drame”) is a 1937 French comedy film directed by Marcel Carné.

The film is a satirical take on the murder mystery genre, set in the fictional city of Vésinet. It follows the story of a respected food critic named Irwin Molyneux, who is suspected of murdering his wife’s uncle, who is believed to be missing.

Molyneux’s efforts to hide the truth lead to a series of misunderstandings and comic situations.

The film is notable for its impressive cast, including Michel Simon, Louis Jouvet, and Jean-Pierre Aumont, among others. It received critical acclaim upon its release for its witty humor, clever screenplay, and engaging performances.

“Bizarre, Bizarre” is considered one of Marcel Carné’s best works and an important film in the history of French cinema. It is also regarded as a precursor to the French New Wave movement, which emerged in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

7. Les Visiteurs du Soir (1942)

Les Visiteurs du Soir (translated to “The Devil’s Envoys” or “The Visitors”) is a French romantic fantasy film directed by Marcel Carné and released in 1942.

The screenplay was written by Jacques Prévert, and the film stars Arletty, Marie Déa, and Fernand Ledoux.

Set in the Middle Ages, the film tells the story of two envoys of the devil, Gilles (played by Alain Cuny) and Dominique (played by Jules Berry), who are sent to Earth to spread chaos and despair.

They arrive at the castle of Baron Hugues (played by Fernand Ledoux) and his fiancée, Lady Anne (played by Marie Déa), who are preparing for their wedding.

Gilles and Dominique cause the castle’s guests to fall under their spell, including the Baron and Lady Anne, who are separated and brought to the brink of despair.

However, the two envoys become entranced by the beauty of their victims and begin to question their mission.

Gilles falls in love with Lady Anne, while Dominique is drawn to the castle’s jester, the always-cheerful Thevenin (played by Marcel Herrand). As the night wears on, the envoys’ allegiances are tested and their fates hang in the balance.

The film is known for its dreamlike atmosphere, stunning cinematography, and impressive special effects, particularly for its time. It was well received upon its release and has since become a classic of French cinema.

8. Gates of the Night (1946)

“Gates of the Night” is a French film directed by Marcel Carné, released in 1946. The film is also known as “Les Portes de la Nuit” in French.

The movie takes place in Paris in the aftermath of World War II. It tells the story of two lovers, Jean (played by Yves Montand) and Malou (played by Nathalie Nattier),

who wander through the city streets and encounter a series of characters and situations that reveal the social and economic struggles of post-war France.

As they navigate through the city, Jean and Malou meet a variety of people, including an old man who believes he is dying and wants to confess his sins, a former resistance fighter.

who is struggling to adjust to civilian life, and a wealthy businessman who has lost his family in the war and is now consumed by his grief.

Throughout the film, Jean and Malou’s relationship is tested by the challenges they face, including poverty, unemployment, and the haunting memories of the war.

The film’s title, “Gates of the Night,” refers to the idea that the characters are trapped in a kind of limbo between the darkness of the past and the uncertain future.

“Gates of the Night” is considered a classic of French cinema, known for its poetic realism, its powerful performances, and its haunting depiction of post-war Paris.

9. Youthful Sinners (1958)

“Youthful Sinners” is a film released in 1958, directed by John F. Schreyer and produced by J. Francis White. The film follows the story of a group of young delinquents who get into trouble with the law and are sent to a reformatory to be rehabilitated.

The film stars Robert Arthur as Jerry Davis, the leader of the delinquent group, and Merry Anders as Judy, a girl who falls in love with Jerry. Other notable cast members include Joel Ashley, Paul Dubov, and Ann Doran.

The film received mixed reviews upon its release and is not widely known today. However, it is notable for its portrayal of juvenile delinquency and the efforts of the reformatory system to help troubled youth.

10. Three Rooms in Manhattan (1965)

“Three Rooms in Manhattan” is a 1965 French film directed by Marcel Carné, starring Maurice Ronet and Lila Kedrova. The film is based on the novel “Les jeux sont faits” by Jean-Paul Sartre.

The film follows the story of a French actor named François (Maurice Ronet), who moves to New York City after a painful separation from his wife.

He rents three rooms in Manhattan and begins to explore the city’s nightlife. He meets a variety of characters, including a French prostitute named Kay (Lila Kedrova), whom he begins to fall in love with.

As François tries to start a new life in New York, he struggles with his past and his loneliness. He also grapples with the fact that he is a foreigner in a new country, and he struggles to adapt to the cultural differences.

Throughout the film, François and Kay’s relationship evolves as they spend more time together. They share intimate moments and begin to open up to each other about their pasts.

However, their relationship is also complicated by the fact that Kay is a prostitute.

The film is known for its stunning black and white cinematography and its exploration of loneliness, love, and the human experience. It is a poignant and powerful portrayal of two people trying to find their place in the world.

11. Wasteland (1960)

“Wasteland” (also known as “The Savage Innocents”) is a 1960 film directed by Nicholas Ray, based on the novel “Top of the World” by Hans Ruesch.

The movie stars Anthony Quinn as Inuk, an Inuit hunter living in the Arctic who clashes with Western civilization when he accidentally kills a missionary.

The film deals with themes of cultural clash, racism, and environmental destruction. Inuk’s way of life is threatened by the encroachment of Western civilization, and he is viewed as a “savage” by those who do not understand or respect his culture.

The film also explores the impact of Western technology and industrialization on the environment and the traditional ways of life of indigenous people.

“Wasteland” received mixed reviews upon its release, with some praising its depiction of Inuit culture and the performance of Anthony Quinn, while others criticized it for perpetuating stereotypes about indigenous people and their supposed “primitiveness.

” Despite these criticisms, the film has gained a cult following and is considered an important work in the career of director Nicholas Ray.

3 Characteristics of Marcel Carné Films

Marcel Carné was a prominent French filmmaker who made several notable films during the 1930s and 1940s. Here are three characteristics of his films:

Poetic Realism: Marcel Carné’s films are often associated with the poetic realism movement in French cinema, which was characterized by a mix of realism and romanticism.

His films often featured gritty depictions of working-class life in France, but also incorporated poetic elements such as dream-like sequences and heightened emotions.

Collaborations with Jacques Prévert: Marcel Carné often collaborated with screenwriter Jacques Prévert, who wrote the scripts for many of his most famous films, including “Le Jour se Lève” (1939) and “Les Enfants du Paradis” (1945). Prévert’s writing was known for its lyrical quality and often dealt with themes of love, loss, and social injustice.

Cinematography and set design: Marcel Carné’s films were also known for their stunning cinematography and elaborate set designs.

His films often featured dramatic, expressionistic lighting and intricate sets that helped to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. “Les Enfants du Paradis” in particular is known for its elaborate and detailed recreation of 19th-century Paris.

3 Reasons Why You Should Watch Marcel Carné Films

Marcel Carné was a prominent director in the French film industry, known for his poetic realism style and his collaborations with screenwriter Jacques Prévert. Here are three reasons why you should consider watching his films:

Unique visual style: Marcel Carné’s films are characterized by their striking visual style, featuring impressive set design, cinematography, and lighting.

His use of chiaroscuro lighting techniques, in particular, creates a moody and atmospheric effect that draws the viewer into the film’s world. His films are a feast for the eyes and a masterclass in cinematic craftsmanship.

Exploration of human emotions and relationships: Marcel Carné’s films are deeply emotional, exploring themes such as love, loss, and betrayal.

He has a talent for creating complex, nuanced characters whose motivations and emotions are always fully realized. His films often deal with the struggles and complexities of human relationships, depicting them with honesty and sensitivity.

Important contributions to French cinema: Marcel Carné was a key figure in the French film industry during the 1930s and 1940s.

His collaborations with Jacques Prévert, including the iconic film “Les Enfants du Paradis,” helped to define the poetic realism movement in French cinema.

His films are an important part of French film history and continue to be celebrated for their artistry and impact. Watching his films can provide valuable insight into the evolution of French cinema and its cultural significance.

Best Marcel Carné Films – Wrapping Up

Marcel Carné was a prominent French filmmaker of the 20th century and was associated with the poetic realism movement in French cinema.

He directed several acclaimed films that explored themes of love, loss, and the struggles of ordinary people. Here are some of his best-known films:

“Les Enfants du Paradis” (1945) – Often considered one of the greatest French films ever made, this epic romantic drama is set in the world of 19th-century Parisian theater.

“Le Jour se lève” (1939) – This film follows a man’s reflections on his life as he waits in his apartment for the police to come and arrest him for murder.

“Quai des Brumes” (1938) – A bleak, atmospheric tale of doomed love set in a foggy port town, this film stars Jean Gabin and Michèle Morgan.

“Hôtel du Nord” (1938) – This film is set in a run-down hotel on the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris and features a cast of colorful characters.

“Les Visiteurs du Soir” (1942) – This medieval fantasy tells the story of two emissaries from the devil who arrive in a castle to test the power of love.

These films showcase Carné’s distinct style, characterized by his poetic storytelling, strong sense of atmosphere, and his focus on characters living on the margins of society.