The Things Of Life - Friday 21st June 2024

One of the things I like about IMDB is that when you search for a film, it gives you recommendations for other films that are similar, or that you might enjoy. For once, the algorithm is our friend!

That’s how I came upon this French film from the 1970s (that I’d never previously heard of!).

Disclaimer: I am a bit of a Francophile. Theirs is a culture that appreciates art and artists, and the French films that make it to an international audience are often superb (we only get to see their best output, which is kinda cheating, but I’m not complaining!). Also, on a personal note, my experience of French people is nothing but positive! (I often tell people that the French are the second-friendliest people in London, the first being Italians, obviously!)

Anyway, back to the movie!

I liked it! There was a profoundness to the film for sure (I mean, what do you expect from the title!), but the execution was very well done. Even though the film starts at (spoiler?) the end, you’re still not sure which way the film will go, which is skilful storytelling for sure!

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, the films and filmmakers of the past took far more risks and were far more innovative in their films than we are today. Playing it safe and catering to a broad and international audience has killed Hollywood cinema. That’s part of the success of National Cinema in Europe and Asia; they’re only catering to their national audience and thus, have greater freedom in their storytelling. Ironically, this leads to films that are loved by an International audience, because in the individual’s story, lies the universal struggle.
Anyway, if you like your art house cinema, or have an appreciation for French movies, this is definitely one to check out.