Night and Fog
Director: Alain Resnais
Actors: Michel Bouquet, Reinhard Heydrich, Heinrich Himmler
PlotThe film chronicles the horrors of concentration camps during and after World War II. It juxtaposes haunting, contemporary shots of the now-desolate camps with archival footage of the time when they were operational. The narrative delves into the systematic dehumanization and extermination procedures, highlighting the stark contrast between the peaceful present and the brutal past. It assesses the environment meticulously, from overcrowded barracks to gruesome medical experiments, and details the mechanical efficiency with which mass murder was conducted.
Through personal accounts, documents, and imagery, the film unearths the systemic cruelty inflicted upon the prisoners and examines the complicity of various individuals and nations. It explores themes of memory and forgetting, questioning how such atrocities can be reconciled with the ideals of humanity. The stark visual contrasts and poignant music underscore a somber reflection on human cruelty and indifference, leaving viewers to confront the past and ponder their role in preventing such horrors from occurring again.
Writers: Jean Cayrol
Release Date: 01 Jan 1956
Runtime: 32 min
Rating: TV-14
Country: France
Language: French
Home Video Reviews
Alain Resnais' 'Night and Fog' is a must-see, impeccably restored in 4K by Argos Films, with nearly two hours of valuable special features, making it highly recommended.
Read our review of Night and Fog Blu-ray Nuit et brouillard to find out more