There are no special effects, no gore, no hair raising background music... For the most part of the film, there is only the one main character, Fontaine, in a cell with his spoon and his thoughts. But put it like this... I have never had to pause a film to calm down and catch my breath before.
The film is a true story based on the experience of a resistance fighter called André Devigny (Fontaine in the film) in Nazi occupied France during the Second World War. He is arrested, imprisoned and then sentenced to death. Whilst he locked up, he devises a plan to escape using the materials he has in his cell and meticulous attention to detail.
I am in awe of Bresson's ability to create such a compelling, gripping piece of work with such simple resources. There are colossal, $200 million plus budget blockbusters I have seen including endless special effects, digital editing and the most qualified, experienced actors which have not evoked in me nearly the reaction that Bresson was able to in A Man Escaped. With a couple of amateur actors and a tiny budget, he has created a cinematic masterpiece and that in my opinion this film embodies the true art of directing. A must see!
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