La tête contre les murs 06/20/26

Head Against the Wall.  Georges Franju’s first feature adapts a novel protesting the French system of mental health asylums — and breathes poetry into every scene, with images that evoke more than what meets the eye. Young star (and screenwriter) Jean-Pierre Mocky is a spoiled punk locked away by a vengeful father. There’s no appeal: doctor Paul Meurisse’s human approach is overridden by that of doctor Pierre Brasseur, who revels in his power as a jailer. It’s a strong directorial debut, with standout performances from Anouk Aimée and Charles Aznavour, plus the remarkable first screen appearance of the legendary Edith Scob. On Blu-ray from US Radiance Films.
06/20/26