I was introduced to Albert Lamorisse's wonderful The Red Balloon way back in grade school, and it's just something I never forgot. It was the first French film I ever saw, though I didn't know that at the time. It's too bad that Lamorisse didn't make this earlier film without dialogue, as well, because it would be just as well known as its brother. It has so little dialogue and narration as it is, it's just a shame Lamorisse didn't consider the universality that a lack of dialogue would give the film. I think I might even like White Mane a tad better than The Red Balloon. The simple story is about a wild stallion named White Mane who is being hunted by a gang of ranchers. The hunt is observed by a young boy (Alain Emery), who becomes fascinated with the horse. When the ranchers fail to capture White Mane, the boy goes after him. Lamorisse began his film-making career as a documentarian, and this film reminds me a lot of some of the faux-documentaries made by Robert J. Flaherty, particularly Louisiana Story. The black and white cinematography is some of the most gorgeous I've ever seen. If not for an abrupt and unsatisfying ending, this would rank among my favorite films ever.
Review of White Mane
