DANTON is a powerful drama of revolution, set in 1794 France, during the second year of the Republic, that centers on the rivalry between the humanist Georges Danton (the typically memorable Gerard Depardieu) and the ideologue Maximilien de Robespierre (Wojciech Pszoniak), "The
Incorruptible." Danton, the most popular of the French revolutionaries, temporarily retired from politics and retreated to the countryside. He returns to Paris now, however, to stop the Reign of Terror led by Robespierre, his former compatriot in the Revolution whose efforts to keep the "pure
patriots" in power have turned tyrannical. Although a great freedom fighter and proponent of political, religious, and human rights, Robespierre, with his Committee of Public Safety, has become just as oppressive as the monarchs he fought against. Despite the fact that Danton is a people's hero,
Robespierre convinces himself that he must be executed in order to save the Republic.
DANTON is a stirring film on freedom from Andrzej Wajda, in his first directing effort outside of Poland. Criticized by some for being too static and theatrical, the movie takes care to show only the center of the Revolution and its aftermath: the battle between Danton and Robespierre and the
unseen fight for liberty that takes place behind closed doors. Wajda disregards the rebellion in the streets in favor of showing us the power in the hands of government--those chosen few who are supposed to be representatives of the people. leave a comment