“Au Hasard Balthazar,” directed by Robert Bresson, is a profound French drama released in 1966. The film follows the life of a donkey named Balthazar, who passes through the hands of various owners, each representing different aspects of human nature. Through Balthazar’s journey, Bresson paints a poignant portrait of innocence and suffering, making this film a touchstone in cinematic history.
Bresson employs numerous literary devices to deepen the narrative and thematic richness of “Au Hasard Balthazar.” Here’s a detailed look at ten significant devices and specific scenes where they are evident:
1. Symbolism
Movie Scene Device Example Balthazar’s Baptism Balthazar being baptized symbolizes innocence and purity. Marie’s relationship with Balthazar Balthazar represents unconditional love and patience.
2. Allegory
Movie Scene Device Example Balthazar’s life Balthazar’s suffering allegorizes Christ-like martyrdom. The villagers’ treatment of Balthazar Represents societal cruelty and indifference.
3. Irony
Movie Scene Device Example Balthazar’s death The innocent suffer while the guilty continue unpunished. Gerard’s treatment of Balthazar Gerard’s cruelty contrasts with Balthazar’s innocence.
4. Metaphor
Movie Scene Device Example Balthazar as a burden bearer Balthazar metaphorically carries the sins and sufferings of his owners. The school scene The children’s treatment of Balthazar reflects societal ignorance and cruelty.
5. Foreshadowing
Movie Scene Device Example Early scenes of abuse Predicts Balthazar’s continual suffering. Marie’s father’s actions Foreshadows the family’s downfall .
6. Juxtaposition
Movie Scene Device Example Balthazar and Marie Their mutual innocence juxtaposed with the surrounding cruelty. Rural idyll vs. human cruelty Beautiful landscapes contrast with the harshness of human actions.
7. Motif
Movie Scene Device Example Bells ringing Bells signify important transitions in Balthazar’s life. Recurrent suffering Balthazar’s continuous suffering serves as a recurring motif .
8. Pathos
Movie Scene Device Example Balthazar’s beatings Evokes deep sympathy and sorrow from the audience. Marie’s tears Highlights the emotional pain experienced by characters.
9. Parallelism
Movie Scene Device Example Balthazar’s journey and Christ’s Passion Parallels between Balthazar’s suffering and Christ’s crucifixion. Marie’s and Balthazar’s fate Their intertwined destinies reflect parallel paths of suffering.
10. Antithesis
Movie Scene Device Example Innocence vs. Corruption Balthazar’s purity contrasted with human corruption. Love vs. Cruelty Marie’s love for Balthazar vs. others’ cruelty.
Character Studies
Marie
Device Explanation Symbolism Marie symbolizes innocence and purity, mirroring Balthazar’s character. Juxtaposition Her innocence is often contrasted with the cruelty of those around her.
Gerard
Device Explanation Irony Gerard’s cruelty to Balthazar highlights the irony of his own suffering later. Foreshadowing His early abusive behavior hints at his eventual downfall .
Balthazar
Device Explanation Allegory Balthazar represents the Christ-like figure, bearing suffering silently. Pathos His suffering evokes a deep emotional response from the audience.
Character Dynamics
The relationships between characters drive the narrative and underscore the film’s themes:
Marie and Balthazar: Their bond highlights themes of innocence and unconditional love. Balthazar’s loyalty and Marie’s affection form the emotional core of the film.Gerard and Balthazar: Gerard’s cruelty juxtaposed with Balthazar’s innocence emphasizes the theme of suffering and human cruelty.Marie and Gerard: Their relationship explores themes of corruption and innocence lost, illustrating how external influences can corrupt purity.
Innocence and Suffering
Device Explanation Symbolism Balthazar’s character symbolizes innocence amidst a corrupt world. Pathos His continual suffering evokes empathy and highlights the harshness of life.
Human Cruelty and Indifference
Device Explanation Irony The innocent suffer while the guilty often go unpunished. Allegory Balthazar’s life serves as an allegory for the suffering of the innocent in a cruel society.
Redemption and Sacrifice
Device Explanation Metaphor Balthazar as a burden bearer represents sacrifice and redemption. Parallelism Parallels between Balthazar’s journey and Christ’s Passion emphasize themes of redemption.
Visual and Sound Techniques
Literary Device Technique Explanation Symbolism Visual imagery Balthazar’s scenes are often shot with serene, natural backdrops symbolizing purity. Pathos Sound design The use of silence and natural sounds during Balthazar’s suffering enhances emotional impact.
Literary Device Technique Explanation Allegory Framing and composition Balthazar is often centered in the frame, highlighting his symbolic importance. Irony Music Contrasting music scores underscore the irony of joyful moments juxtaposed with suffering.
Scene Selection
Balthazar’s Baptism
Link: Balthazar’s Baptism Breakdown: This scene uses symbolism to depict Balthazar’s initial innocence and purity. The serene cinematography and gentle music underscore this theme .
Gerard’s Cruelty
Link: Gerard’s Cruelty Breakdown: The stark, harsh visuals and sound design emphasize the cruelty Balthazar endures, highlighting themes of suffering and human indifference.
To wrap up our analysis, here’s an interactive quiz to test your understanding of the literary devices used in “Au Hasard Balthazar.”
Quiz
Which literary device is used to compare Balthazar’s journey to a Christ-like figure?
In which scene is symbolism prominently featured?
a) Gerard’s Cruelty
b) Balthazar’s Baptism
c) The School Scene
d) Marie’s Tears
What theme is highlighted by Balthazar’s continual suffering?
a) Redemption
b) Human Indifference
c) Love
d) Power
Which character represents the theme of innocence?
a) Gerard
b) Marie
c) The Villagers
d) Balthazar
How does Bresson use sound design to enhance the theme of pathos ?
a) By using loud, jarring music
b) By employing silence and natural sounds
c) By incorporating dialogue
d) By using a narrator
Answers: 1. b) Allegory , 2. b) Balthazar’s Baptism, 3. b) Human Indifference, 4. d) Balthazar, 5. b) By employing silence and natural sounds
