Many know the name Marcel Marceau as the famous French mime who rose to worldwide popularity in the 20th century. He performed in front of millions, and taught the art of mime for decades. However, many people don’t know the story of his early life in World War 2.
Born Marcel Mangel, he worked in his father’s butcher shop, and practiced and performed routines of Charlie Chaplin. Marcel also painted in his spare time. He was a prolific painter later in life.
When the war broke out, Marcel was only sixteen years old. He helped his brother and cousin in caring for children orphaned by the Nazis. In the film Marcel performed for the children, clowning around in silence, building their trust.
Silence later became a necessary tool for the children. In later days, Marcel helped transport children to safety in Switzerland. He performed for the children as they traveled, in total silence, which in turn kept them silent. He risked his life and made the trek to Switzerland several times, saving hundreds of children.
Marceau is portrayed in the film by Jessie Eisenberg, who was in “The Social Network”, “Now You See Me”, and more. While two decades older than Marceau was at the time, Eisenberg seems to have a natural affinity for the role. In fact, his mother was a clown, performing at children’s birthday parties, often performing some of Marceau’s routines.
This film is violent but not gory. There are several camera cutaways when a person gets shot. Still, there are many violent scenes of beatings, shootings, and descriptions of unspeakable torture. One heartbreaking scene in the film is the capture of Marcel’s father. He was taken to Auschwitz and murdered. Eisenberg lost several family members to the holocaust as well.
Marceau received the Wallenberg award in 2001 for his actions during the war. The ceremony was recorded, and is posted below. Marceau speaks on his time in the war, which includes many more stories of survival. He also performs a number which illustrates the battle of good and evil.
This film is at once inspiring, heartbreaking, life affirming, and haunting.
As the world is currently under a pandemic, this film has not been released in theaters. Yet it is available to rent on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and more.
Well worth the rental price, now available for rent, 4 stars.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.