Hotel du Nord (1938)

If Hotel du Nord falls short of the brilliance of the other two entries in Marcel Carné's romantic trilogy (let alone the magnificence of his later film Les Enfants du Paradis), it is still a worthy and intriguing film on its own terms. The absence of writer Jacques Prévert is certainly keenly felt, but there's still flair and spice to the dialogue, the structure of the screenplay is solid, and metaphor and symbolism are given their due. Carné also imbues the film with more than enough artificial atmosphere to further secure its place in the canon of poetic realist works, and the stunning sets by Alexandre Trauner play an important part in giving the film its unique, grim, and exquisitely faded texture. Carné uses the camera throughout to create haunting, often disturbing images, adding weight to what is at base a simple, melodramatic story. His camera especially loves Annabella, lingering over her lips and eyes, gazing longingly at her smooth, glowing skin. The actress turns in a lovely performance, making some of the film's most awkward dialogue seem natural. Arletty, given stronger material, makes an even stronger impression, making the "whore with a heart of gold" into something fresh and new, and investing the part with an energy and life that is palpable and thrilling. Nord falls short of being a classic, but it is well worth seeing, especially by those who have devoured Carné's better known works. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide