The third and final film in The Marseille trilogy – the only one directed by Pagnol himself though that doesn’t make a big difference either way.
All three films are led by the writing and performances—the stereotype exists that writers do not make very good directors as they are not being overly concerned with cinematic style—from Pagnol to Aaron Sorkin—it seems natural. Billy Wilder once said something like “The best director is the one you don’t see”
Great scenario writing here- and lines like “did you sin long?” (the priest asks) and the answer is “five or six minutes”- haha
141-minutes
Heavy wipe transitions- I think I even saw a star wipe once
The entire cast is back after a couple years off/delay—(Marius is 1931, Fanny is 1932)—Raimu’s trademark eye-roll into the heavens as he loses his temper
It is very clear that Pagnol is not Julien Duvivier or Renoir as a director
The parts of the film actually play like a courtroom drama with Marius (played by Pierre Fresnay) pleading his case
@Malith- thank you for the cleanup help