The news of the untimely death of Pierre Blaise in 1975 entered my brain in the shape and spirit of his memorable character in Louis Malle's remarkable film. Lacombe Lucien is dead. The marriage of character and actor was so profound that it was impossible to separate them. Pierre Blaise, in Louis Malle's hands had given us a unique, unrepeatable portrait of a young man walking the tightest rope, without actually knowing it. The innocence of his brutality is something we have never seen in film before or since. I saw the film again last night, first time in over 20 years, and there it was, beautiful Pierre Blaise, his portrait, with the passing of time, has acquired an extra coat of truth. It made me think, with a shiver running down my spine, of Columbine and suicide bombers. What an extraordinary film. Louis Malle, Pierre Blaise I miss you. Lacombe Lucien, however, is still here and will remain here for ever and ever.
Review of Lacombe, Lucien
