The Life of Emile Zola (1937)
Grade: 93
"The Life of Emile Zola" is an outstanding film about the Dreyfus affair, which was a major military scandal in France during the late 1890s. Since it is a movie and not a documentary, some of the characterizations and events may not match the historical record. However, any artistic license has only resulted in a better film.
Versatile actor Paul Muni plays Emile Zola, whose story begins as a struggling French author. He finds wealth and fame writing controversial books, and becomes the conscience of France. In his middle age, he becomes complacent and materialistic, disappointing those who see him as an agent of social change.
Meanwhile, the French army discovers that a high ranking officer is giving military secrets to the Germans. Dreyfus is arbitrarily found guilty of treason, is publicly humiliated, and sentenced to miserable imprisonment at Devil's Island. Soon thereafter, military officers learn the true identify of the agent, but begin a massive and determined campaign to cover up their mistake, which includes exonerating the guilty officer.
After encouragement by his politically active friends, Zola finally takes up the cause of Dreyfus, putting him in conflict with the French Army, which has the power to put Zola in prison.
Although the title "The Life of Emile Zola" implies a biography, the film is largely about the Dreyfus affair. Since the subject is of little interest to most Americans, then and now, it is surprising that Warner Brothers even made this film, much less gave it such high production values. Although Muni is obscure today, he was a major actor at the time, having just won the Oscar for Best Actor for "The Story of Louis Pasteur", another high-brow film set in nineteenth-century France. Muni would be nominated for Best Actor for "Zola" as well. During his career he would amass five Best Actor Oscar nominations.
The message of "Zola" is universal, and applies to any place or time. Government officials, in this case Army officers, whose primary goal is to retain power, will stop at nothing to punish opposition and manipulate the public through propaganda. It takes courage to oppose a corrupt government, and your actions can be villified rather than lauded. The French public did not want Dreyfus found innocent, as he had become a handy target for national bigotry and frustration.
Dreyfus' religion is only mentioned once, and if you blink you will miss it. The army brass, looking for a traitor, peruse a list of officers. The entry for Dreyfus notes his religion, Jew. The head officer points his finger at the word Jew, and says, "This is our man." The focus of "Zola" is on political corruption rather than religious prosecution.
kollers@mpsi.net http://members.tripod.com/~Brian_Koller/movies.html
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