De man die zijn haar kort liet knippen (1965)

User Rating:

7.0/10   

Director:

André Delvaux

Writers:

Johan Daisne (novel)
Anna De Pagter (writer)

Release Date:

April 1967 (UK)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

A schoolteacher (Miereveld or "field of ants") is entranced by one of his students (Fran). Not being...

Plot Keywords:

Psychological Drama | Based On Novel

Awards:

1 win

Cast

Senne Rouffaer	...	Govert Miereveld
Beata Tyszkiewicz	...	Fran
Hector Camerlynck	...	Prof. Mato
Hilde Uitterlinden	...	Beps
Annemarie Van Dijk	...	Corra
Hilda Van Roose	...	Juffrouw Freken
François Beukelaers	...	Patiënt
Arlette Emmery
Paul S'Jongers	...	Assistent van prof. Mato
Luc Philips	...	Wethouder
François Bernard	...	Rechter Brantink
Vic Moeremans	...	Direkteur
Maurits Goossens	...	Schoolfhoofd

Also Known As:

L'homme au crâne rasé (Belgium: French title)
The Man Who Had His Hair Cut Short (Belgium: English title)
The Man with the Shaven Head (International: English title) (informal literal title)

Runtime:

94 min

Country:

Belgium

Language:

Dutch

Color:

Black and White

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Belgium:KT

Filming Locations:

Brugge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium

Company:

Belgische Radio en Televisie (BRT)

haunted by love, haunted by reality, no escape

summary: A schoolteacher (Miereveld or "nest of ants") is entranced by one of his students (Fran). Not being able to have his love fulfilled he tries to escape it and moves house and job. Working for the justice department he is invited by the coroner to join a post mortem examination which leads to an encounter with his former student and the possibility to no longer escape his love.

review: The theme of escape is very prevalent throughout all facets of this movie. The off-voice narration creates a sort of detachment that reflects the detachment of the character with reality and even with the feelings inside him. Seldom the characters speak while facing the camera and the music is a wonderful accompaniment to the narrative: fairy-like and enchanting or confusing and detached. As the inner feelings and reflections of the characters are the main subject of this movie, it is strongly narrative driven rather than driven by actions and therefor it might not suit every 21st century viewer. But I strongly urge people to allow themselves to follow the reflections and balance on the stream of consciousness of the characters and see where it takes them. Near the end different elements fall into place although it may be a place that not everyone likes or even understands. Strong visuals, strong music, strong acting, but not suitable for a day when you're on the couch struck by the flu.