I realise that there are many who love this and that within France it is held in high regard but I find the whole notion of 'poetic realism' troublesome. For me this tale of thwarted love on the edge of the docks needed more vigorous dialogue than Jacques Prevert was happy to provide. Also, although I have grown to admire more the performances of Jean Gabin, I still find his awkwardness and physical presence problematic. At no point, unfortunately, can I see him as a young lover and whilst his scenes with the lovely seventeen year-old Michelle Morgan are not as difficult as those she has to endure with Michel Simon, it is not the pretty sight some see, despite of because of the unnatural dialogue. Marcel Carne's insistence on creating as much as he can in the studio seems another obstacle for me but then if a rather theatrical version of life is being sought, then this works well.
Review of Port of Shadows
