Although writer/director Jean-Pierre Melville was a very famous and gifted filmmaker, when he made "Le Silence de la Mer" he was an unknown with only one film, a short, to his credit. Read up on the IMDB page on how Melville made the film without first obtaining the author's permission....and how he overcame that. Also read about how the film was done on the cheap--without sets and using natural light. The natural light, actually, was a good thing...and the cameraperson made the most of this.
The story is set during WWII during the Nazi occupation of France. A homeowner is informed that a German officer will be living with them...and whether or not the family approved seemed irrelevant. Because of this, the Frenchman and his niece silently agree to say nothing to their 'guest' nor to acknowledge him in any way. As for the officer, he eventually responds by donning his civilian clothes and talking to the family each night...during which, again, they do not acknowledge him. He talks about many things, but often about his admiration for the French and their culture. This pattern continues for months...and what eventually occurs is for you to learn for yourself.
This is a well made film, though I should warn you that it's also a bit slow...and this is necessitated by the plot. There really is no way to make this a fast-paced and stirring film, so I do not blame Melville for this...after all, it IS the novel on which it was based. A most unique film...and one Melvillephiles should see...though not an easy film to watch due to its slowness and minimal dialog.
By the way, despite his white hair, the Uncle was played by Jean-Marie Robain--a man in his 30s. As for the German, he was actually played by a Swiss actor...which makes sense as they needed a man fluent in both German and French.
The story is set during WWII during the Nazi occupation of France. A homeowner is informed that a German officer will be living with them...and whether or not the family approved seemed irrelevant. Because of this, the Frenchman and his niece silently agree to say nothing to their 'guest' nor to acknowledge him in any way. As for the officer, he eventually responds by donning his civilian clothes and talking to the family each night...during which, again, they do not acknowledge him. He talks about many things, but often about his admiration for the French and their culture. This pattern continues for months...and what eventually occurs is for you to learn for yourself.
This is a well made film, though I should warn you that it's also a bit slow...and this is necessitated by the plot. There really is no way to make this a fast-paced and stirring film, so I do not blame Melville for this...after all, it IS the novel on which it was based. A most unique film...and one Melvillephiles should see...though not an easy film to watch due to its slowness and minimal dialog.
By the way, despite his white hair, the Uncle was played by Jean-Marie Robain--a man in his 30s. As for the German, he was actually played by a Swiss actor...which makes sense as they needed a man fluent in both German and French.