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Devil and the Angel

Name: Devil and the Angel
Director: Pierre Chenal
Released: 1946
Duration: 107 min

Representation Score

5.5/10

Fair

1946

Director

Pierre Chenal

Runtime

107 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Pierre Chenal’s drama presents a detailed exploration of psychological breakdown and moral ambiguity. Despite being limited by the demographic uniformity of 1940s French cinema, the film avoids simplistic moral lessons by delving into the complex reasons behind Frank's criminal behavior. Jeanne's journey from blindness to perceptual clarity gives her significant influence over her life. This transformation challenges the typical role of a submissive wife, leading her to choose an independent path. However, the film is confined by its era, lacking racial and LGBTQ+ diversity and sticking to traditional romantic themes.

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Category Breakdown

Does Devil and the Angel have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film doesn't include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships. It focuses on a traditional romantic relationship between Frank and Jeanne, following the social norms of the 1940s.

How does Devil and the Angel portray gender?

Fair

Jeanne's journey challenges the idea of her being vulnerable by showing her gaining moral clarity. While Frank takes on the role of a provider, his involvement in crime disrupts the usual ideas of stable and leading male roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Devil and the Angel?

Minimal

This mid-century French film reflects the demographic norms of its time, which were largely homogeneous. There is no indication of non-white actors or racial diversity in the story.

How does Devil and the Angel represent religion and culture?

Good

The film looks at personal morality through Frank's criminal actions towards his wife. Moving from a domestic setting to a circus highlights a shift towards less conventional social structures.

Does Devil and the Angel include disability representation?

Good

Jeanne's blindness is a key part of the power dynamics rather than just a plot point. Her recovery of sight marks a turning point for her moral independence and strength.

Present on Screen

Jeanne's character development challenges the stereotype of a submissive wife.
Disability is used effectively to enhance character growth and moral critique.
The film explores complex, subjective morality rather than simple moral lessons.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks racial and ethnic diversity, reflecting the demographics of the 1940s.
No representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight characters.
Adheres to the traditional social norms of its time.

Official Synopsis

The Director of an international banknote printing institute, mutilated by the face of the Great War, Frank Davres, falls in love with a young woman, Jeanne, admirably beautiful, but blind. He marries her. For her, he ruins himself and comes to issue counterfeit banknotes. The young woman does everything to make people forget her infirmity. One day, following an operation, she recovers her sight and notices the physical and moral ugliness of her husband. She hides her cure until the day when Frank, taken by the police, kills one of his accomplices and commits suicide. Jeanne leaves to join a friend with whom she was performing in a circus.

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