BEAU TRAVAIL / TROPICAL MALADY
A Double Feature of Homoeroticism and Military Uniforms
Welcome to a series of articles that delves into the captivating world of cinematic pairings. These pieces illuminate the art of juxtaposition through carefully curated double feature picture shows.
Claire Denis and Apichatpong Weerasethakul are two of the most acclaimed filmmakers of our time, known for their ability to capture complex human emotions on screen, in seemingly simple settings. Let them take us into a lush world of natural beauty while exploring the winding paths of desire within the repressive milieus of military tradition and patriarchal-colonial heritage, set against the sensual exuberance of nature and human desire.
As the lights dim and the projector starts, we settle in for a double feature of two visually stunning and thematically complex films: Beau Travail by Claire Denis and Tropical Malady by Apichatpong Weerasethakul.
Denis’ film follows the daily routine of a French Foreign Legion troop stationed in Djibouti, Africa, and the obsession of the commanding officer, Sergeant Galoup (Denis Lavant), with the new recruit Sentain (Grégoire Colin). Through Galoup’s voice-over narration, reminiscent of Fassbinder’s Querelle, and Lavant’s intensely physical performance, the film creates a palpable tension between desire and power, as the military hierarchy imposes its own codes of conduct on the soldiers.
Weerasethakul’s Tropical Malady, on the other hand, uses a less literal approach to explore these themes of power and desire, navigating between the impositions of military life and ancient traditions.The film is divided into two parts, with the first following the developing romance between the soldier Keng (Banlop Lomnoi) and a local man named Tong (Sakda Kaewbuadee). The second half of the film takes a sharp turn into a mystical, folkloric realm, as Keng hunts for a shape-shifting tiger, deep in the jungle, in the shape of an arguably folk-horror tale.
In both films, the cinematography is a standout element, with each shot carefully composed and imbued with symbolic weight. Agnès Godard, Denis’ regular cinematographer, photographed Beau Travail employing a mix of naturalistic and stylized lighting to create a sense of timelessness and otherworldliness. Sayombhu Mukdeeprom, himself Weerasethakul’s usual collaborator, uses long takes and a naturalistic color palette to create a sense of intimacy and immersion in the lush Thai landscape.
Existing in places marked by their history of colonialism and imperialism, both films challenge the viewer to consider the ways in which those shape the lives of the individuals, their desires and relationships, within these systems. The locations themselves are crucial to the sensuality of both films, with Denis and Weerasethakul both using the physical environment to create an almost dreamlike atmosphere. In Beau Travail, the harsh, desolate landscapes of Djibouti contrast with the sensuality of the soldiers’ bodies, while in Tropical Malady, the dense, overgrown jungles provide a backdrop for the characters’ erotic and mystical encounters, much as the Himalayas do in Powell/Pressburger’s Black Narcissus.
It’s worth noting that both films have been widely acclaimed and have garnered numerous awards. Beau Travail won the FIPRESCI Prize at the 1999 Cannes Film Festival, while Tropical Malady won the Jury Prize at the 2004 festival. Through their innovative approaches to narrative structure and visual language, Denis and Weerasethakul offer a unique experience that is at once challenging and deeply rewarding for the viewer.
As you wrap up this exploration, consider taking a cinematic voyage of your own. Dive into the captivating realms of Beau Travail and Tropical Malady, armed with fresh insights into their intertwining themes. Experience the dance of desire and power, let landscapes mirror emotions, and revel in narratives that might just shift your perspective. These films aren’t just stories, they’re conversations — about colonial legacies, human yearnings, and the delicate interweaving of cultures. So, as the credits roll, let these movies inspire you to delve deeper, discuss heartily, and connect more profoundly with the cultural undercurrents that shape our world.
