Watch Les Portes de la Nuit

Les Portes de la Nuit is a 1946 French film directed by Marcel Carné and co-written by Jacques Prévert. The movie is a romantic tragedy set in France during the aftermath of World War II. The film tells the story of two couples, set against the backdrop of a hot summer night in Paris. The characters are all struggling to find their place in the world and come to terms with the uncertainty of the future.

The first couple is a young woman named Germaine (Nathalie Nattier) and a man named Michel (Serge Reggiani) who has just been demobilized from the French army. Michel is uncertain about what he wants to do with his life and feels lost in post-war Paris. Germaine loves Michel deeply but is worried about their future together. She is looking for a way to settle down and create a stable life for herself and Michel.

The second couple is made up of Clara (Yves Montand) and her older lover, Quentin (Pierre Brasseur). Clara is a vivacious and free-spirited woman who enjoys living in the moment. She is drawn to Michel, and they share a flirtatious moment, but she remains loyal to Quentin. Quentin is a disillusioned artist who struggles to find inspiration in post-war Paris. He is haunted by the memory of his dead wife, and he feels trapped in his relationship with Clara.

Throughout the film, the characters grapple with their desires and their fears about the future. They all share a sense of uncertainty and a feeling of being adrift in a city that has been changed by the war. The film paints a picture of Paris as a city full of contradictions, both beautiful and tragic.

Les Portes de la Nuit is a visually stunning film that captures the mood of post-war Paris. The movie features several memorable scenes, including a stunning dance number set in a café and an eerie dream sequence that takes place on the Paris metro. The film is also notable for its use of music, including several songs written by Joseph Kosma with lyrics by Jacques Prévert. The songs serve as a commentary on the action and add to the mood of the film.

Overall, Les Portes de la Nuit is a powerful and emotionally resonant film that explores the themes of love, loss, and uncertainty. The characters, played by a talented cast of actors, bring depth and nuance to their roles. The film is a testament to the artistic vision of director Marcel Carné and the collaborative creativity of the French film industry at the time.