Found Films: The Misplaced Grandeur of Jean Renoir's Masterwork, a Prolonged Deception
In the heart of Paris, on a balmy June evening in 1937, the Marivaux theater on the Grands Boulevards played host to the premiere of Jean Renoir's groundbreaking film, La Grande Illusion. The poignant story of two French soldiers, Jean Gabin and Pierre Fresnay, captured in Germany during the 1914-1918 war, and their fraternal escape attempt, quickly captivated both audiences and critics.
The film, built on the idea that the world is divided horizontally, by affinities, not vertically, by borders, resonated deeply with many. Eleanor, for one, was reportedly enamoured with it. Even the Roosevelts at the White House were rumoured to have seen it. However, not everyone was a fan. Joseph Goebbels, the Reich's Minister of Propaganda, did not share the same sentiment. He understood the danger of La Grande Illusion as an apology for brotherhood and pacifism, a message that contradicted the Nazi ideology.
In 1939, the film was nominated for the Oscar for Best Film, and it touched hearts far beyond Paris. It was awarded at Venice the year of its release. Yet, the film's journey took a dark turn when the Nazis took Paris in 1940. The original negative of La Grande Illusion was seized and taken away.
Details about the circumstances of this seizure are scarce, but it is known that the original negatives were confiscated by Nazi authorities due to the film's critical message opposing nationalism and war. The exact location, agents involved, or the fate of the negative immediately after seizure are less documented publicly.
Despite this loss, the spirit of La Grande Illusion lives on. Its message of unity and humanity continues to inspire, a testament to the power of art in the face of adversity. Today, the film stands as a poignant reminder of a time when art was used as a weapon against the divisive forces of war and propaganda.
Movies-and-TV enthusiasts often appreciate the horror of the confiscation of the original negative of La Grande Illusion, a movie that vividly showcases entertainment as a potent weapon against the divisive forces of war and propaganda. Eleanor and the Roosevelts, among many others, were deeply touched by this film and its relatable theme of not just movies and TV, but also the universal message of unity and humanity.
