Le Trou — Movie Quotes

This is the very first line of the film. Jean Keraudy, one of the actual 1947 escapees who also plays the character Roland, addresses the audience while working on a car, before the narrative begins.

Translation: "My friend Jacques Becker has recreated a true story in all its detail. My story." This opening line, delivered directly to the camera, immediately establishes the film's foundation in reality and authenticity. It blurs the line between documentary and fiction, lending immense weight and credibility to the events that are about to unfold.

Spoken in the final moments after the escape has been foiled and the guards are leading the original four inmates away. Gaspard is being taken to a different cell, and as he passes his former cellmates, Roland looks at him and delivers this final, crushing verdict.

Translation: "Poor Gaspard." This is the devastating final line of the film. It's a short but incredibly powerful statement. It's not a cry of anger or hatred, but one of pity. Roland understands that in betraying them for his freedom, Gaspard has condemned himself to a different kind of prison—a life of guilt and dishonor, forever an outsider to the code of solidarity he violated. The line conveys the tragedy of Gaspard's choice far more effectively than any outburst would.