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Le souffle du désir

Le souffle du désir (1958)

Apr 09, 1958 1h 18m Drama

Daniel Bellanger, a night-club crooner, is a basically straight,honest man. He has just married Christiane, a cashier in a Montmartre hotel and his main objective in life is to live happily with his wife and Pierrot, the son she had of a former union. Unfortunately Daniel accepts the offer of his old friend Freddy to run a gambling den. The place is frequented by a host of dubious guys, among whom a hood named Mario. The latter finds Christiane to his liking and soon shows he is prepared to do anything to take her away from Daniel, including kidnapping little Pierrot.

Directed by Henri Lepage

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Henri Lepage
Producer
  • Albert Caraco

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Le souffle du désir examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Henri Lepage brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1958, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Le souffle du désir took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 78 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 131 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The costume department created over 466 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 1958, when this film was released:
  • Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
  • Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: April 9, 1958
  • Runtime: 1h 18m

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