Watch Le Jour se Leve

Le Jour se Leve is a 1939 French film directed by Marcel Carné and starring Jean Gabin, Jacqueline Laurent, and Arletty. The film is a classic example of French poetic realism, a movement that emphasized the struggles and hardships of working-class people during the interwar period. The film is set in a small French town and follows a man named Francois (Gabin) who works at a factory producing glasses. He lives alone in a small room and is haunted by memories of his troubled past.

One day, Francois becomes involved in a romantic relationship with a woman named Francoise (Laurent), who lives in a nearby apartment. The two fall in love quickly, but Francois's jealousy and paranoia soon begin to overtake his better judgment, and he becomes convinced that Francoise is cheating on him with another man. As his jealousy grows, so does his anger and violence, and ultimately, he finds himself trapped in a situation he cannot escape.

The film is told in flashbacks, as Francois recounts the events leading up to his confrontation with the man he believes is his rival. The nonlinear structure of the film allows for a deeper exploration of the psychological issues at play, and creates a sense of tension and mystery throughout.

The film's cinematography is striking, making use of dark shadows and dramatic lighting to create a mood of intense emotion and turmoil. The performances are also noteworthy, particularly Gabin's portrayal of Francois. His brooding intensity and explosive outbursts perfectly capture the character's inner turmoil, and he brings a sense of urgency to every scene he's in.

Despite its bleak subject matter, Le Jour se Leve is ultimately a deeply human film, one that explores the complexities of love, jealousy, and violence with honesty and sensitivity. It remains a classic of French cinema, and a testament to the power of poetic realism.