Detailed Summary
Introduction and Setting
The Wages of Fear (original title: Le Salaire de la peur) is a 1953 French-Italian thriller film directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot and based on the 1950 novel by Georges Arnaud. The film stars Yves Montand, Charles Vanel, Peter van Eyck, and Folco Lulli. It is set in a small, poverty-stricken South American village where desperate men are hired to transport highly volatile nitroglycerine over treacherous mountain roads.
The Story Unfolds
The Village and the Job
The film begins in a squalid South American village where a group of European and American men are stranded, unable to afford passage out. The local economy is controlled by an American oil company. When a fire breaks out at one of the company’s oil fields, the only way to extinguish it is to use nitroglycerine. The company recruits four men to drive two trucks loaded with the explosive substance over 300 miles of rough terrain. The pay for this perilous job is exceptionally high, reflecting the extreme danger involved.
The Drivers
The four men chosen for the job are Mario (Yves Montand), a Corsican drifter; Jo (Charles Vanel), a former gangster; Bimba (Peter van Eyck), an ex-Nazi; and Luigi (Folco Lulli), an Italian laborer suffering from terminal illness due to exposure to cement dust. Each man is motivated by desperation and the hope of escaping their dire circumstances.
The Climax and Resolution
The Treacherous Journey
The journey is fraught with danger. The trucks must navigate rough terrain, narrow mountain passes, and rickety bridges, all while ensuring the nitroglycerine remains stable. The tension mounts as the men encounter various obstacles, including a boulder blocking the road and an oil-soaked pit. Each challenge tests their nerves and ingenuity. The psychological strain of the journey reveals the characters’ true nature, leading to conflicts and moments of heroism.
Tragedy Strikes
As the journey progresses, the psychological and physical toll becomes unbearable. Luigi and Bimba are killed when their truck hits an obstacle and explodes. Mario and Jo, now in the lead truck, continue on, but their relationship deteriorates under the stress. In a climactic scene, Jo succumbs to his injuries after being trapped in the truck during a dangerous maneuver. Mario, now alone, manages to complete the journey and deliver the nitroglycerine.
The Conclusion
A Pyrrhic Victory
Mario receives his wages and sets out to return to the village, dreaming of a better future. However, in a tragic twist, Mario, euphoric and reckless, loses control of the truck on a winding road and crashes to his death. The film ends on a somber note, highlighting the futility of their sacrifice and the relentless grip of fate.
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Movie Ending
The Wages of Fear ends with Mario’s tragic death, just as he achieves his goal of delivering the nitroglycerine. His reckless joy and subsequent crash underscore the film’s themes of existential despair and the arbitrary nature of fate.
Post-Credits Scene
There are no post-credits scenes in The Wages of Fear.
Type of Movie
The Wages of Fear is a thriller and adventure film that combines elements of drama and social commentary, focusing on themes of desperation, survival, and the human condition under extreme pressure.
Cast
- Yves Montand as Mario
- Charles Vanel as Jo
- Peter van Eyck as Bimba
- Folco Lulli as Luigi
- Véra Clouzot as Linda
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by Georges Auric, whose music enhances the film’s tension and dramatic intensity, complementing the high-stakes narrative and the characters’ emotional journeys.
Filming Locations
The Wages of Fear was filmed in various locations, including:
- Provincial France: Some scenes were shot in the Camargue region.
- Italy: For certain sequences requiring specific landscapes.
- Interior sets: Constructed to depict the village and various key locations.
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Awards and Nominations
The Wages of Fear received numerous prestigious awards and nominations, including:
- Cannes Film Festival: Won the Grand Prix (equivalent to the Palme d’Or) and the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) Prize.
- BAFTA Awards: Won Best Film from Any Source.
- Berlin International Film Festival: Won the Golden Bear.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Director Henri-Georges Clouzot was known for his meticulous attention to detail and relentless pursuit of realism, leading to a grueling shoot that mirrored the film’s intense narrative.
- The film’s production faced significant challenges, including adverse weather conditions and logistical difficulties in filming the dangerous stunts.
- Clouzot’s direction emphasized character development and psychological tension, making the physical journey a metaphor for the characters’ internal struggles.
Inspirations and References
The Wages of Fear is based on Georges Arnaud’s novel of the same name, which was inspired by real-life experiences and the harsh realities faced by men taking on dangerous jobs in foreign lands. The film reflects broader themes of human desperation, the impact of capitalism, and the existential struggle for meaning.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The final cut of The Wages of Fear closely follows Clouzot’s original vision. Some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions and DVD releases, providing further context and character development.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The opening scenes depicting the bleak life in the South American village.
- The recruitment of the drivers and their preparation for the journey.
- The harrowing journey, including the scenes with the boulder and the oil pit.
- The climactic scene where Jo is trapped and succumbs to his injuries.
- The final tragic scene where Mario loses control of the truck and crashes.
Iconic Quotes
- “When I was a kid, I used to see men go off on those long hauls, and I’d say, ‘That’s the life for me.’ I guess you might call it a dream.”
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Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The film includes subtle references to existential philosophy and the human condition, reflected in the characters’ dialogue and the bleak, oppressive atmosphere.
- Clouzot’s direction and camera work emphasize the tension and danger, with tight close-ups and dynamic shots during the journey.
Trivia
- The film’s budget was approximately $600,000, a significant amount for its time, reflecting the ambitious scale of the production.
- Despite initial controversy over its critical portrayal of American corporate interests, the film received widespread acclaim and is considered a classic of world cinema.
- The Wages of Fear was remade in 1977 as Sorcerer, directed by William Friedkin, although the remake did not achieve the same level of acclaim as the original.
Why Watch?
The Wages of Fear offers a gripping and intense exploration of human desperation, courage, and the relentless grip of fate, featuring standout performances, particularly by Yves Montand and Charles Vanel, and masterful direction by Henri-Georges Clouzot. Its blend of suspense, drama, and social commentary makes it a must-watch for fans of classic cinema and thrillers.
Director’s Other Movies
Henri-Georges Clouzot also directed:
- The Raven (1943)
- Diabolique (1955)
- The Mystery of Picasso (1956)
- La Vérité (1960)
- The Murderer Lives at Number 21 (1942)