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Director's Spotlight
Archivist John
Senior Editor
Director's Spotlight: France
A Deep Dive into the 1917 Vision of René Hervil
The enduring fascination with A Naked Soul is a testament to the artistic risks taken by René Hervil that eventually paid off. Challenging the viewer to find meaning in the cult shadows, it reminds us of the fragility and beauty of the 1917s.
In A Naked Soul, René Hervil pushes the boundaries of conventional narrative. The film's unique approach to its subject matter has sparked endless debates and interpretations among cinephiles and critics alike.
While deeply rooted in France, A Naked Soul has achieved a global reach, influencing directors from various backgrounds. Its ability to translate cult tropes into a universal cinematic language is why it remains a cult staple decades after its 1917 release.
| Cinematography | Deep Focus |
| Soundtrack | Diegetic |
| Editing | Elliptical |
| Art Direction | Expressionist |
Visualizing the convergence of René Hervil's style and the core cult narrative.
Susan Daubray's father, a judge, insists upon her reading law. Her brother, Robert, is her only real companion. She has a kind friend in Daddy Dorand, a goatherd on a neighboring island. Prince Michael of Sylvana is visiting the Duke of Valdimere, whose castle is near Susan's home. Susan meets the Prince and they become close friends. The Prince is called to Paris to meet Princess Sonia. He writes to Susan, but his letter is intercepted by the Duke, who disapproves of the acquaintance. Susan, unable to bear the sorrow of the loss of her friend, goes to the Duke's castle to learn the reason why the Prince does not write. While in the castle she faints and a ring which the Prince had given her is taken from her finger by the Duke and returned to its original owner, the Prince. The Prince thinks that Susan has forgotten him and he consents to marry the Princess. A baby is born to Susan and she is told by her father to leave his house. She goes with the goatherd to live. Her brother, who has gone to America, returns and, learning of the Prince's deceit, seeks him out an in a fight and he, the brother, is thrown over a balcony and killed. The Prince then learns of the intercepted letter and finds Susan and they are reconciled. Susan, after the reconciliation, is content to die in her happiness and drowns herself.
Decades after its release, A Naked Soul remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying René Hervil's status as a master of the craft in France and beyond.