The Man Who Had His Hair Cut Short (1966)

Govert Miereveld is a schoolteacher who has an unhealthy obsession with Fran, one of his students. On the day of Fran's graduation, Govert decides that he needs to tell her.

Director:

André Delvaux

Writers:

Johan Daisne (novel), Anna De Pagter

Stars:

Senne Rouffaer, Beata Tyszkiewicz, Hector Camerlynck

2 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Credited cast:
Senne Rouffaer	...	Govert Miereveld
Beata Tyszkiewicz	...	Eufrazia 'Fran' Veerman
Hector Camerlynck	...	Prof. Mato
Hilde Uitterlinden	...	Beps
Annemarie Van Dijk	...	Corra
Hilda Van Roose	...	Teacher Freken
François Beukelaers	...	Patient
Arlette Emmery	...	One of the Seven
Paul S'Jongers	...	Assistent of Prof. Mato
Luc Philips	...	City Councillor
François Bernard	...	Judge Brantink
Vic Moeremans	...	Director
Maurits Goossens	...	Principal
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Yvonne Lex	...	Dubbing song of Beata Tyszkiewicz
Dora van der Groen	...	Dubbing of Beata Tyszkiewicz (voice)

Storyline

A schoolteacher (Miereveld or "field 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.

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Plot Keywords:

psychological drama | based on novel | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Did You Know?

Trivia

Award: Sutherland Trophy of the British Film Institute.

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Quotes

[repeated line]
Govert Miereveld: She said: "See you soon".

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Connections

Featured in De man die zijn haar kort liet knippen archieven (2005)

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Soundtracks

Ballade la vie véritable
Music by Frédéric Devreese
Sung by Yvonne Lex

User Reviews

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.

Details

Country:

Belgium

Language:

Dutch

Release Date:

5 September 1966 (France)

Also Known As:

The Man Who Had His Hair Cut Short

Filming Locations:

Brugge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium

Company Credits

Production Co:

Belgische Radio en Televisie (BRT), Ministerie van Nationale Opvoeding en Kultuur

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1