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Reviews
Forces occultes (1943)
Mysterious, Perplexing and Dangerous
Let me first warn you, this is a work of propaganda. It is meant to instill intrigue, suspicion and fear into what the filmmakers dislike, Freemasonry, republicanism and Jews, while complementing and sympathizing with what the filmmakers do like, fascism. Whether one is receptive to these ideas, is up to the individual. Keeping this in mind is I think necessary to understanding the full context of the film, as it was conceived, produced and released during the height of the worlds deadliest conflict during some of its most lethal years, 1942 and 1943. The driving force behind the production is somewhat of a mystery, as it is a completely French production, yet had the tacit approval, and perhaps guidance, by Vichy France's masters, Nazi Germany. The director, screenwriter and producer of this film were heavily punished by the Fourth Republic government, the latter two escaping with light prison sentences and fines, while the director, Jean Mamy, was executed by firing squad in 1949. The killing was apparently for his pro-German fascistic publications in right wing papers during the war and not for this film, interpret that however you will.
The film itself is quite straight forward, in a somewhat amusingly simple way. Each scene reinforces the previous one, that being Freemasonry is an unrepentant evil undermining nations and that any man with principle and patriotism has the ability see's through their deceit and remain uncorrupted, even while being directly in their mist. This ideal fascistic uncorruptibility is personified by our protagonist, Pierre Avenel, who from the very beginning of the film disparages parliamentarian, capitalism and communism all in one speech. His radical idealism attracts the eye of his fellow deputies, who wish to draw him into the grip of Freemasonry. Through a series of scenes, Avenel undergoes Masonic interviews and rituals, with the filmmakers intending to "expose" to the audience the inner workings of true Masonic conspiracy and its obsession complete secrecy. Avenel's acceptance of Freemasonry is quite quick and his complete devotion to the Masonic cause seemed too abrupt, with his wife continuing to be the only source of anti-Masonry reason in the film, but with only 51 minutes I guess it needs to be a little condensed. The continual lies, conspiracy, bribery and scandals weigh on Avenel, with the 6 February 1934 crisis being one of the many real life events named. Avenel's disgust with the practices of Freemasonry culminate when he hears of his fellow Freemasons plotting a war between France and Germany, the ultimate sin for French fascists. During the meeting he bursts out in an anti-Masonic and pro-German tirade, until he is eventually kicked out. This seals his fate, as the Freemasons, already suspicious of Avenel's loyalty, order some thugs to "silence" him.
Now for my interpretation. Make no mistake, Occult Forces is a well made and acted piece of propaganda film, meant to convey and drive home a very specific message. If one is already acute to these ideas, or even simple interests in conspiracies and secret societies, they will get quite a bit of out of this. The filmmakers attention to detail while on a shoe string budget is commendable, each scene has a purpose and energy that keeps your attention. However in no way is this an entertaining film in any conventional sense, as it's message and history is inherently controversial. I highly recommend it if you wish to study the real or imagined inner workings Freemasonry from a fascist perspective or just simple wish to expand your film making knowledge of fascist cinema. 6.5/10