Judex

Description

Occupying a delicious place between Victorian melodrama and superhero comic books, Judex is one of the great serials from the career of French movie pioneer Louis Feuillade. From his castle lair high above the countryside, mystery man Judex (granite-faced Rene Creste) seeks to protect the lovely Jacqueline, while nursing a secret hatred for her fatcat father. Multiple kidnappings, assassination attempts, and narrow escapes follow; much of the mischief is orchestrated by wicked temptress Diana Monti (Musidora, the star of Feuillade's Les Vampires ). There's also a delightfully overwhelmed detective (Marcel Levesque), who's a sort of prototype of Monsieur Clouseau, and a streetwise Artful Dodger known as the Licorice Kid. On DVD, the serial's 12 episodes and prologue are smartly tinted and feature a lively orchestral score by Robert Israel. Feuillade's use of real locations (both Paris and the Riviera figure prominently in the action) gives the film a realistic freshness that cuts wonderfully against the flamboyant plotline. When Feuillade's serials were re-discovered in the 1940s, they proved influential to a generation of filmmakers, and Georges Franju actually did a feature-length remake of Judex in 1963. Indeed, the figure of Judex remains a powerful fantasy protector: his secret lair, his disguises, his complete moral authority (although a cynic might point out that he doesn't always do a good job of protecting his ladylove--but then there'd be no cliffhangers). For all intents and purposes, Judex is Batman. He even has the cape. --Robert Horton Tinted. Occupying a delicious place between Victorian melodrama and superhero comic books, Judex is one of the great serials from the career of French movie pioneer Louis Feuillade. From his castle lair high above the countryside, mystery man Judex (granite-faced Rene Creste) seeks to protect the lovely Jacqueline, while nursing a secret hatred for her fatcat father. Multiple kidnappings, assassination attempts, and narrow escapes follow; much of the mischief is orchestrated by wicked temptress Diana Monti (Musidora, the star of Feuillade's Les Vampires ). There's also a delightfully overwhelmed detective (Marcel Levesque), who's a sort of prototype of Monsieur Clouseau, and a streetwise Artful Dodger known as the Licorice Kid. On DVD, the serial's 12 episodes and prologue are smartly tinted and feature a lively orchestral score by Robert Israel. Feuillade's use of real locations (both Paris and the Riviera figure prominently in the action) gives the film a realistic freshness that cuts wonderfully against the flamboyant plotline. When Feuillade's serials were re-discovered in the 1940s, they proved influential to a generation of filmmakers, and Georges Franju actually did a feature-length remake of Judex in 1963. Indeed, the figure of Judex remains a powerful fantasy protector: his secret lair, his disguises, his complete moral authority (although a cynic might point out that he doesn't always do a good job of protecting his ladylove--but then there'd be no cliffhangers). For all intents and purposes, Judex is Batman. He even has the cape. --Robert Horton --desertcart.com Flicker Alley presents JUDEX, an important part of cinema history now available for the first time. This remarkably inventive and dreamlike French serial by the great Louis Feuillade represents a highlight in French filmmaking and has inspired generations filmmakers since its first release in 1917. One of cinema's first "superheroes," the mysterious Judex (René Cresté) is torn between an oath of justice against the wealthy banker Favraux (Louis Leubas), who had earlier wronged his family, and his secret love of Favraux's daughter, Jacqueline (Yvette Andreyor). This framework is the basis of a series of extraordinary and engaging incidents involving Judex's brother (Edouard Mathe), the evil Diana Monti (Musidora) and her accomplices, the detective Cocatin (Marcel Levesque), and the charming Licorice Kid (Bout-de-Zan), all of them regular players in Feuillade's grand tapestries. Enjoy this brand new digital edition of what the Village Voice declared as "one of the most lithe, charming, inventive, and supplely paced serials ever made." This is the most complete version of the film currently available presented in its entirety in a newly tinted film transfer and includes a brand new English language translation and a new digitally recorded orchestral score by the renowned silent film composer Robert Israel. Credits: Directed by Louis Feuillade Screenplay by Arthur Bernede and Louis Feuillade Cinematography by André Glatti and Léon Klausse Production Design by Robert-Jules Garnier Original Serial released by Gaumont Co. Ltd., France (1917) Cast: René Cresté, Edouard Mathé, Musidora, Yvette Andréyor, Marcel Lévesque, Louis Leubas, Jean Devalde, René Poyen, Gaston Michel, Yvonne Dario, Olinda Mano, Georges Flateau, Lily Deligny, Juliette Clarens Review: A captivating and enchanting viewing experience - This is an exceptionally outstanding 2-DVD set which already rates highly just for its presentation of excellent notes and an informative 20-minute documentary on the making of the musical score, but this unusual French serial already stands alone as a great work of early cinema deserving all five stars. Made during my favourite period of the silent era, namely the mid to late 1910s, "Judex" strikes me as being far ahead of other films made in the same year, not to mention something of a novelty because silent serials like these are unfortunately quite rare for us today. The 12 episodes, along with a prologue and an epilogue, run for over five hours but it feels like just over one hour because the story is so interesting and the scenes move along at just the right pace to hold the viewer's attention from the very start all the way through each exciting episode. Director Louis Feuillade had already been successful with a similar serial a year earlier, namely "Les Vampires" which is also compelling viewing, but in some ways "Judex" is more elegant and refined, and as far as plots and suspenseful storytelling are concerned, it could still complete with modern-day serials like "24", in my opinion. For anyone tiring of contemporary themes with all its true-to-life horrors, "Judex" is the perfect escape into another world without terrorism and nuclear warfare, where well-dressed people living in grand homes drove gorgeous vintage cars when they were still brand new. The only echo of real life perhaps is the pivot character Favreau, an unscrupulous banker who ruined many people's lives. Unlike the real world, however, a mysterious character called Judex arises to avenge those victims, and as in all first-class stories, the identity of Judex and his real motives are only gradually revealed half way through the fascinating sequence of events. All characters were no doubt carefully chosen and played their roles very convincingly, such as the female villain who continually foils Judex's plans for her own personal gain. Such a fiendish character in the form of an attractive young woman might already surprise some viewers who think that all such women of the silent era were meek, romantic and harmless. But my favourite characters are the two charming and delightful young child actors, especially `the Licorice Kid' whose style is both natural and very professional at the same time. Although serious overall, there is a romantic and somewhat surreal feel to the whole film, along with subtle humour mostly in the form of the private investigator with a very big nose. "Judex" also strikes the right balance between relationships, action and the triumph of goodness and justice, while at the same time taking the viewer on a most enthralling ride through France of 1916. Beautifully restored with colour tinting, this serial is perfectly complemented with a high standard classical music accompaniment arranged by Robert Israel, who talks about the making of this score in the bonus feature documentary in this DVD set. More than just an essential part of any good silent film collection, I'm sure that "Judex" would also be enjoyed by the general viewer looking for an escapist adventure to another world and time but still containing all the essential ingredients of an entertaining and satisfying cinema experience. Review: Great fun! - This was such fun to watch! As an admitted comic-book geek, it was great to see the similarities and influence the charater of Judex had with Batman. (A secret lair, disguises and hidden identities, gadgets...) I hadn't heard of this series until just recently, but I was familiar "Les Vampires" by Feuillade. (another great serial to watch if you haven't yet!) While it's very campy at times, at others it's very touching. Especially when Judex thinks he's lost his secret love due to his actions. The musical score is wonderful and fit the individual characters well, although at times it can become monotonous and I found myself tuning it out as I watched. The special features (a discussion of the music by Robert Israel) is intersting and well-worth watching. If you're a comic-book geek you'll appreciate where Bob Kane got some of his ideas for his creation of Batman. (Also, if you didn't know, the Joker is based on Conrad Veidt's character in "The Man Who Laughs" -- I haven't seen this one yet, but it's next on my list) If you are a fan of silent films and have not watched this, I highly recommend it... and if you can get your kids to sit still long enough, I think they'd like it too.