In exciting news for cinephiles, the renowned Paris-based film production company, MK2 Films, has announced its plans to restore Robert Bresson's classic romantic drama, 'Four Nights of a Dreamer.' The film, which was showcased at the Berlinale in 1971 but disappeared from screens in 1985, will be brought back to life through a meticulous 4K digitization process. MK2 Films, a division of a prominent French arthouse cinema chain, aims to make the restored masterpiece available in theaters worldwide by 2024.
'Four Nights of a Dreamer' holds a special place in Bresson's filmography as his tenth directed feature. Notably, it is the only film by the acclaimed director that had not undergone restoration efforts until now. Bresson is widely respected for his impressive body of work, including notable films such as 'Mouchette,' 'Au Hasard Balthazar,' and 'Pickpocket.' Inspired by Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel 'White Nights,' 'Four Nights of a Dreamer' weaves a compelling narrative around the chance encounters between a dreamy young man and a distraught young woman on the iconic Pont Neuf. Over the course of four nights, these two individuals find solace in one another's company and share their deepest thoughts and emotions. The film features a talented cast, including Guillaume des Forêts, Isabelle Weingarten, and Jean-Maurice Monnoyer. The visual brilliance of 'Four Nights of a Dreamer' is complemented by the skillful cinematography of Pierre Lhomme and the exceptional set design by Pierre Charbonnier.
The restoration of 'Four Nights of a Dreamer' is being carried out under the trusted supervision of Mylène Bresson, with MK2 Films collaborating with Éclair Classics in Paris and L.E. Diapason. This labor of love is further supported by the Centre national du cinéma et de l'image animée (CNC). The aim is to create a new 4K master of the film, utilizing the latest technologies to ensure a visually stunning and faithful representation of Bresson's original vision. The restored version is expected to be released in spring, allowing audiences around the world to witness the magic and depth of this forgotten gem.
Nathanaël Karmitz, the CEO of MK2 Films, expresses his gratitude and excitement about taking on the responsibility of restoring 'Four Nights of a Dreamer.' He commends Mylène Bresson for entrusting them with the film rights and restoration work. Karmitz emphasizes the significance of bringing back films by revered filmmakers like Bresson, allowing a new generation of cinephiles to appreciate and be inspired by their extraordinary contributions to the art of cinema.
MK2 Films holds not only the restoration rights to 'Four Nights of a Dreamer,' but also represents the global distribution for three other Robert Bresson films: 'Pickpocket' (1960), which was selected for Competition in Berlin, 'The Trial of Joan of Arc' (1962), awarded the Special Jury Prize at Cannes, and 'Money' (1983), recipient of the Grand Prix for Creative Cinema at Cannes. The company's commitment to preserving and reviving cinematic masterpieces is further evident in their triumph at the Venice Film Festival, where they won the best restored film award for Shinji Somai's 'Moving.'
As we eagerly await the restoration of 'Four Nights of a Dreamer,' we can take solace in knowing that MK2 Films continues to champion the preservation and rediscovery of cinematic treasures. The resurgence of this Bresson classic promises to be a visual and emotional journey for both longtime admirers of the director's work and those who are new to his captivating artistry. Let us celebrate the dedication and passion of organizations like MK2 Films, whose efforts ensure that exceptional films like 'Four Nights of a Dreamer' can once again be appreciated by audiences around the globe.
