Plot: Alain Leroy isn't in the best mental headspace. After being fired from a clinic, he goes back out into the world, but he lacks a goal. There's nothing that interests him, and so he visits some of his old friends, hoping they might give him some valuable insights. But nobody seems capable of helping him.
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May 02, 2025
I've seen very few classic movies this year, and the detox hasn't made it any easier. This tepid, long, and very talkative French classic probably wasn't the best choice to jump back in, but it's a respected film, and Louis Malle certainly isn't the worst of the bunch. This one didn't do it for me though.
The performances are stiff and uninviting, the presentation is dull and stale, and the themes aren't all that interesting either. The Fire Within lacks the energy and freedom of the Nouvelle Vague films of that era, but most of all, it lacks the titular fire. While still under two hours, the film did feel a lot longer.