About Beau Travail

Beau Travail is a 1999 French movie directed by Claire Denis. It is a cinematic adaptation of Herman Melville's novella "Billy Budd", set among the French Foreign Legion in Djibouti. The narrative revolves around the life and experiences of Sergeant Galoup, as he recalls his life leading a platoon in the Gulf of Djibouti. His existence is thrown into chaos when he becomes obsessed with a new recruit named Gilles Sentain, leading to dire consequences.

Making / Production

The filming of Beau Travail took place in Djibouti, with the director, Claire Denis, choosing to focus on visual storytelling and focus on the landscape and body movement rather than dialogue. The film is known for its poetic and aesthetic visuals and thought-provoking narrative.

Actors

• Denis Lavant as Galoup: Lavant gives a rigorous performance as Galoup, a man of discipline and hardened routine whose life unravels due to obsession.
• Gregoire Colin as Gilles Sentain: Colin portrays Sentain as an earnest and hard-working legionnaire whose sincerity becomes a thorn in Galoup's side.
• Michel Subor as Commandant Bruno Forestier: Subor plays the role of the Legion's commander who appears somewhat indifferent to Galoup's increasingly erratic behavior.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Director Claire Denis used non-professional actors for the roles of the legionnaires, which adds a layer of authenticity to the movie.
• The final dance sequence of the film has been critically acclaimed and is considered one of the most memorable endings in cinema.

Awards

Beau Travail has received multiple awards and nominations. These include the Best Cinematography award at the Venice Film Festival and the Best Foreign Film award at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards.

Quotes

• "Without him, I look back on my life as if through a long tunnel. The past is another country."
• "In the Foreign Legion, you march until you drop."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's soundtrack includes music by Benjamin Britten, Charles Ives, and Neil Young.
• "The Rhythm of the Night" by Corona plays during the film's iconic final dance scene.