# Stavisky... (1974)

### reviewed by
Dragan Antulov

    STAVISKY...
    A Film Review
    Copyright Dragan Antulov 2000

Some scholars view history as perpetual but pre-determined process, guided by easily predictable and irresistible forces, either natural or social. Others see history as nothing more than the series of chaotic, unpredictable event. Somewhere in the middle between those two extremes exist individuals, who either have or have not decisive role in shaping world history. Those who believe that individuals can make a difference believe in Great Man Theory, often using examples of historical personalities that changed the destiny of nations because of their unusual political or military talents. However, individuals can play important roles not only trough their great achievements, but also because they just happen to be on the wrong place and in the wrong time. French director Alain Resnais was used one of such historical personalities for STAVISKY..., his 1974 drama.

The plot of the film begins in 1933, when French government reluctantly gives political asylum to former Bolshevik leader Leon Trotsky, exiled from USSR after his conflict with Stalin. In the same time, another Russian Jew receives much more favourable treatment by the same institution. He is Serge Alexandre Stavisky (played by Jean-Paul Belmondo), market speculator whose irresistible charm and audacity enchanted and fascinated almost any part of French establishment - industrialists, aristocrats, politicians, bureaucrats and members of cultural elite. Stavisky used his powerful friends to turn himself into financial tycoon and start building business empire, enjoying life of luxury in the process. There are some people immune to Stavisky's charm, like policemen familiar with his previous career of petty con man, as well as with the evidence that could put him in jail. Stavisky is, however, shielded from prosecution and convinced that he has government in his pocket. But when his latest scheme collapses, so does his business empire and the powerful friends not only abandon him, but instead try to make him a convenient scapegoat for one of the greatest scandals in French history.

History doesn't lack colourful personalities able to cheat their way into impenetrable corridors of power and establishment, but few of them left such impact like Stavisky. After the scandal France barely avoided civil war, only to be left with weakened finances, loss of faith in democratic institutions and population deeply divided on ideological lines - and, above all, tragically unable to halt rise of Fascism in Europe which made WW2 inevitable. It is understandable why this case intrigued Jorge Semprun, screenwriter who had built his reputation on exciting political films based on true stories. Relatively simple story of Stavisky was used for much broader picture - few films like this one capture the atmosphere of Europe in the early 1930s, when the names like Hitler, Stalin or Mussolini were actually viewed as excellent alternative to ailing, corrupt and incompetent democratic governments. Unfortunately, director Alain Resnais seems totally disinterested in politics and concentrates solely on the individual destiny of Stavisky at the expense of general picture. What began as an interesting history lesson turns into personal drama about over-ambitious man who pays ultimate price for challenging the establishment. Such stories were seen thousand times before in much better and compelling films, and Resnais makes things even worse by bad editing in the end, when scenes set in the past, present and future mix without any particular sense. All those who want to learn something about Stavisky through this film are going to be disappointed, and only those viewers who are more familiar with French politics in early 1930s would not have problems in understanding the plot. What actually saves this film is superb visual style and great work on props and costumes, that give this film strong and convincing period feel, especially the haunting musical score by Stephen Sondheim. Acting is top-notch - Jean-Paul Belmondo was perfect for the leading role, using his charisma of charming rascal of his earlier films to become quite convincing con man. Period feel is strengthened with the appearance of old but still effective Charles Boyer who plays Stavisky's old aristocratic friend; the link between new and old generations in French acting is established with small role played by young Gerard Depardieux. STAVISKY... is a definitely a failed film, but attractive and interesting enough to earn attention of all lovers of non-conventional cinema.

    RATING: 6/10 (++)

    Review written on March 24th 2000

    Dragan Antulov a.k.a. Drax
    Fido: 2:381/100
    E-mail: dragan.antulov@st.tel.hr
    E-mail: drax@purger.com
    E-mail: dragan.antulov@altbbs.fido.hr

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