Watch The Damned

The Damned is a classic French film noir from 1947 directed by René Clément. The movie revolves around the trial of the last surviving member of a wealthy and corrupt family, as he faces charges for the murders of his siblings and his father. The film delves into the complex psychological aspects of the characters, offering intriguing glimpses into their past and their motivations, while exploring themes of power, greed, and family legacy.

The movie opens in Paris, where a young lawyer named André arrives to defend the accused, Philippe d'Arnaut. Philippe is the black sheep of his family, a former playboy and a gambler who has squandered his inheritance and is now facing the death penalty. He is accused of killing his father and his siblings in order to inherit the family fortune. However, André starts to suspect that there is more to the case than meets the eye.

As André digs deeper, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that span three generations of the d'Arnaut family. He meets Philippe's uncle, the charismatic but ruthless Louis, who is the head of the family and the true mastermind behind the murders. He also encounters Anne, Philippe's cousin and former lover, who is torn between her loyalty to the family and her love for André.

The Damned is a stylish and atmospheric film, shot in stunning black and white photography that captures the mood of post-war France. The casting is superb, with Marcel Dalio delivering a powerful and nuanced performance as Louis, the patriarch of the family who is consumed by his obsession with wealth and power. Henri Vidal is equally impressive as Philippe, the tormented son who is struggling to break free from the shadow of his family's legacy. Florence Marly rounds out the cast as Anne, the tragic figure who is caught between her love for André and her loyalty to Louis.

The movie is not without its flaws, however. Some of the dialogue feels stilted and melodramatic, and the pacing can be slow at times. The film also suffers from a lack of character development for some of the supporting players. However, the strengths of the movie far outweigh its weaknesses. The Damned is a gripping and haunting tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The film is also noteworthy for its depiction of the corrupt and decadent world of the French aristocracy, which was crumbling in the aftermath of World War II. The d'Arnaut family represents a dying breed of aristocrats who are struggling to hold onto their power and privilege in a changing world. Their pride and arrogance have blinded them to the reality of their situation, and they are ultimately undone by their own greed and ambition.

In conclusion, The Damned is a classic film noir that deserves to be better known outside of France. It is a gripping and thought-provoking movie that explores complex themes and features strong performances from its cast. Despite its flaws, it remains an engrossing and unforgettable cinematic experience.

The Damned is a 1947 art house & international movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.