The second movie version, now in color, of Flemish (heimat-)author Ernest Claes' classical novel, titled after the nickname (Dutch 'the White', referring to a blond male) of the main character. The smart but naughty farmhands son's eternal mischief, pranks and disobedience drive his elders (especially teachers, family and father's grumpy employer, a rich farmer, but also neighbors and even the kind curate whose liturgical server he is) and classmates to despair in a time when a boy's punishment was still inevitable, swift and often severe; thus when his mother catches him skinny dipping she takes all his clothes home, forcing him to a long walk of shame, dreading dad's wrath all the way. This version also stresses the story's social and Flamingant aspects.
Acting
Eric Clerckx embodies chaotic farmboy energy perfectly.
Production
Color cinematography finally does Claes' world justice.
Director
Robbe De Hert
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This 1980 color remake followed a 1934 black-and-white version that became a Belgian cinema staple for decades.
Ernest Claes' novel became a touchstone for Flemish identity politics; 'De Witte' symbolizes stubborn regional pride against French-speaking Belgian elites.
BE
