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Introduction

“Train de Vie,” directed by Radu Mihaileanu, is a remarkable film known for its inventive storytelling and emotional depth. It’s one of my favourite films of all time, but it is sadly not very well known in the UK. In this blog post, I will delve into a pivotal scene that happens fairly early on in the film, where the camera work and editing techniques shine, setting the tone for the entire narrative.

Setting the Stage

The scene opens with a close-up shot of a violin player, his instrument resonating with the soulful notes of traditional Yiddish klezmer music. This captivating introduction draws us into the heart of a small Jewish village in Eastern Europe, setting the stage for the story narrated by Shlomo, the town’s fool. Shlomo’s tale is driven by a desperate desire to escape the impending threat of German forces, which forms the backdrop of our scene.

A Dance of Camera and Editing

As the music plays on, the camera becomes a participant in the dance. It gracefully jumps from one instrument to another, widening its view to reveal Shlomo and a friend immersed in a spirited dance. Concurrently, other villagers cross the frame, carrying rolls of fabric - the preparations for their audacious plan have commenced.

The camera moves briskly from one action to another, shifting from singing to woodcutting and back to dancing. This rapid succession of cuts conveys a sense of organized chaos. A masterful panoramic shot reveals the village’s boundaries, emphasizing the collective effort of every villager in this meticulously choreographed dance of preparation.

What’s intriguing is that some of the camera movements subtly echo the motions of a train. For instance, in the shots where logs are being sawed, the movements resemble the longitudinal motion of a train’s wheels. This may allude to the train they are constructing or, on a broader level, symbolize the journey that is life itself, and more particularly, the symbolism of travelling in Jewish culture.

Meticulous Attention to Detail

Throughout the scene, we are treated to close-up shots of clothing being sewn and amended with painstaking care. The camera lingers on these moments, highlighting the villagers’ commitment to authenticity. To deceive the German army, their clothing must appear flawless, down to the last stitch.

These shots of the villagers diligently at work are interspersed with those of Shlomo dancing. This juxtaposition reinforces the idea of the village as a united entity, moving in harmony like performers on a stage. Yet, it also serves as a somber reminder that beneath this facade of performance lies a grim reality.

A Cinematic Journey

The camera continues to sweep us through various areas of the village, all within a surprisingly confined space, as wider shots reveal. The choice of camera angles and the rapid editing sequences create an atmosphere of jubilation, in line with the tale recounted by our imaginative narrator. This scene sets the tone for the rest of the film, promising an engaging and emotionally charged cinematic journey.

In this pivotal scene, the marriage of camera work and editing techniques elevates “Train de Vie” to a cinematic masterpiece. It artfully captures the essence of the village’s collective effort, the meticulous attention to detail, and the bittersweet reality behind their performance. Radu Mihaileanu’s storytelling prowess shines through, and it’s clear that every frame of this film is a carefully crafted work of art.