Hopeful, Jean arrives to Le Havre where he intends to find a new beginning to his life, and where he can discard his past.  A port city offers several opportunities for a person such as Jean to embark on new journeys as the port is full of ships leaving each day for new destinations.  Through the help of some strangers that Jean meets at a worn down tavern he begins to find a light, which could help guide him back on track to a new life.   However, the fog remains as Jean's destiny has different plans for him as his good nature seems to affect the people he meets.

Port of Shadows is a poetic visualization of a realistic story, which Carné gave a magic touch to by using visual signs to enhance the cinematic experience.  These signs have a symbolic value for the audience as it offers cerebral participation in the film, which can be pondered for some time.  The symbolism of the fog and use of a port city has a profound effect on the films cinematic value as it may causes some cognitive dissonance as both coexist and could be associated with opposite notions.  An example of this symbolic antagonism for the fog and the port is the freedom of a port and the barrier of the fog.  An analogy can be drawn the antagonism between the fog and the port to Jean's ambiguous character who is good, yet capable of violence.

Port of Shadows is a powerful film based on a novel by Pierre Mac Orlan that does not leave anyone untouched regardless of background or creed.  The story depicts elements of human ambiguity, crime, and love, which is elevated with brilliant cinematography and direction.  The cinematography uses several close-ups and zoom-outs in order to bring the characters feelings to the audience, which enhances the visual experience of the excellent cast.  In the end the audience will have experienced a most brilliant cinematic event.

DIRECTED BY

Marcel Carné

COUNTRY

France

Filmography links and data courtesy of