Final Essay: Robert Bresson’s Dictum & Film Analysis of “A Man Escaped”
Introduction The modern film-viewer may anticipate feeling abashed, or risk feeling bored when scrutinizing an old, black-and-white movie that lacks an action package. However, Robert Bresson’s film made in 1956, A Man Escaped, offers a compelling example of filmmaking skills which captivate the attention of its audience. One of Director Robert Bresson’s favorite dictums asserts that “What is for the eye must not duplicate what is for the ear” (“Notes on Sound”). Control of narrative space, and command of sound perspective strategies in the film demonstrate an exercise of the filmmaker’s philosophy. The film analysis herein, ...
