A Man Escaped: A Glimpse Behind French Bars

Imagine being locked up with nothing but your wits and a spoon. Robert Bresson’s “A Man Escaped” is a film that’s as tense as waiting for Stockholm’s commuter train on a winter morning—will it ever arrive? Bresson, the master of minimalism, crafted this story with such precision that even the clanging of iron bars feels like an epic soundtrack.

Now, don’t expect Hollywood glamour here. There’s no Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie. François Leterrier, who is the unmovable force in this flick, might not wear a cape, but he’s a hero for sure. His role as Lieutenant Fontaine is subtle yet gripping. The real star, though, is Bresson’s direction. This guy knew exactly how to spin tension from thin air, like a magician pulling kronor from a hat.

I remember the first time I watched this—it was on a rainy Tuesday, typical gray Swedish weather. It reminded me of that time I tried to escape from a rather thrilling game of Monopoly. My cousin had me cornered, and I was negotiating like Fontaine planning his escape. Spoiler alert: I lost, unlike our man Fontaine, who’s got more grit than a Scandinavian winter’s frost.

There’s something almost poetic about the meticulous planning in this film. Watching Fontaine scratch away at his cell door, I felt the same slow burn suspense as when you’re driving on an icy road… every second counts. Mind you, this isn’t everyone’s cuppa, as we say in Sweden. It’s like reindeer steak—an acquired taste but rich in flavor when done right.

The themes of hope and persistence resonate strongly, especially today. Maybe it’s the stubborn Swede in me, but I can’t help feeling inspired when a man defies the odds. If you’ve ever felt trapped—whether in a mundane job or an overlong fika—this film might just be your wake-up call.

It’s got that timeless quality, like Pippi Longstocking or ABBA, but with existential weight. So, if you’re up for a slow-burning, cerebral thriller, dive into “A Man Escaped.” Just keep a spoon handy, eh? You never know when you’ll need one.

Check the trailer below