Life Of Emile Zola

Year: 1937

Grade: B

Country: USA

Director: Dieterle

Review

it’s under two hours long, but it feels a lot longer. paul muni’s performance was a standout. his transformation is quite remarkable and has made me realize that i’m going to have to see more of his films. warner brothers and paul muni teamed up before on “i am a fugitive from a chain gang” and “scarface.” clearly there was a social awareness and sensitivity that is lacking in some of the larger pictures today. i also have to add that this picture was both ahead of, and perfectly in place within, its time. it takes place in late 19th century france and was released 1937. the issues of censorship and the military’s power and reluctance to admit failings were as pertinent in 19th century france as they were in 1930s germany or in post-9/11 america. a slow film, but one worth watching.