A cinematic journey to France
Inspired by the BFI London Film Festival I attended in October (it took place from the 2nd to the 13th of October 2019), I embarked on a cinematic journey around Europe. My first stop was the Nordic countries (‘A cinematic journey to the Nordic Countries’). I then continued my journey to East (Estonia, Russia, Poland), Central (Germany, Austria, Belgium) and South Europe (Spain, Italy, Greece). I now continue my cinematic journey to France, a country with a rich cinematic tradition.
As both a cinephile and Francophile, I have always been interested in the French cinema, and naturally the French Film Festival UK (due to take place nationwide from 1st November to 15th December 2019) has provided a space to watch French films. When I lived in Leeds, I used to attend the Leeds International Film Festival every November (this year takes place between the 6th and the 20th of November) and I remember watching quite a few French films there.
I generally find film festivals a great opportunity to discover and watch films from other countries, as these are rarely shown in cinemas or on TV. Nonetheless, I have only watched a small number of French films (compared to American ones), so it wouldn’t be fair to talk about my ‘favorite’ films. I’d rather talk about those that come into my mind when thinking about French cinema. This could be simply because I have seen a small number of French films, or because these films have had an impact on me and have stayed in my mind. Or, possibly because of a combination of these reasons. Most of the films I will discuss are fairly recent ones; this reflects my own lack of familiarity with the classics, but also the fact that I got to know these French films mostly thanks to the film festivals.
But before I embark on my cinematic journey to France, I would like to mention two more festivals taking place in November in London: the London Korean Film Festival (from 1st to 14th November 2019), and the UK Jewish Film Festival (from 6th to 21st November 2019).
So, let’s now embark on this cinematic journey to France…
But, let’s go there via Hollywood. France is the country with the most nominations for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film (or, the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, as it will be known as from 2020). It has been nominated 39 times in total, and has won the prestigious award 12 times (Italy is the only country that has won the Oscar more times than France). The most recent nomination was in 2015 with the Turkish-language ‘Mustang’ by Turkish-French film director Deniz Gamze Ergüven. The most recent win was in 1992 with ‘Indochine’ by Régis Wargnier and starring Catherine Deneuve, who was nominated for Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Eliane Devries.
20 French films to watch
Most of the films I discuss on this cinematic journey to France have not made it anywhere near Hollywood. Starting from the most recent ones, I’ll travel back in time. Starting my journey in France, I’ll also visit Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Canada, and the Greek island of Amorgos.
Grâce à Dieu
‘Grâce à Dieu’ (‘By the Grace of God’) is the latest film by François Ozon, one of the best known contemporary French directors. Based on true events, Ozon tells the story of several men who were sexually abused by a Catholic priest as children, and years later decided to bring him (and the Catholic Church) to justice. A powerful film that raises awareness of crimes committed by the Clergy and that the Catholic Church turned a blind eye on.
‘Grâce à Dieu’ is currently in cinemas in the UK. You can also watch it during the French Film Festival UK.
Other films by François Ozon
Other recent films by Ozon include ‘L’ Amant double’ (‘Double Lover’, 2017), ‘Une nouvelle amie’ (‘The New Girlfriend’, 2014), and ‘Jeune & Jolie’ (Young & Beautiful’, 2013), which I watched at Leeds Film Festival a few years ago. In all these films, Ozon explores human sexuality, like he also did in the ‘Swimming Pool’ (2003), a film that I admit I didn’t enjoy the first time I watched (still a teenager at the time). On the contrary, ‘8 femmes’ (8 Women’, 2002) was much more fun to watch. Featuring an ensemble cast of high-profile French actresses including Catherine Deneuve, Isabelle Huppert, Emmanuelle Béart and Fanny Ardant, it was the first film by Ozon that I’ve watched (in the company of my parents).
You can watch the ‘Swimming Pool’ during the French Film Festival UK.
Doubles Vies
I watched ‘Doubles Vies’ (‘Non-Fiction’, 2018) by Olivier Assayas at the BFI London Film Festival in 2018. Starring Juliette Binoche, it takes us to a journey to the publishing world, as it transitions from print to digital format. At the same time, the protagonists transition through middle age.
‘Doubles Vies’ is currently in cinemas in the UK.
Other films by Olivier Assayas
‘Clouds of Sils Maria’ (2014) is another film directed by Assayas and starring Juliette Binoche (it also stars Kristen Stewart). Like in ‘Doubles Vies’, Binoche plays an established actress, and perhaps this is where the similarities finish. ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’ is set in Switzerland where the German-speaking village of Sils Maria is located. The film, however, is neither in French nor in German, but in English.
Another film by Assayas and starring Kirsten Stewart is ‘Personal Shopper’ (2016). This supernatural psychological thriller mostly takes place in Paris, where a young American woman (who works as a personal shopper) tries to communicate with her deceased twin brother.
Un beau soleil intérieur
‘Un beau soleil intérieur’ (‘Let the Sunshine In’, 2017) by Claire Denis is another recent French film starring Juliette Binoche. Here, Binoche plays a middle-aged woman having a string of unsuccessful relationships after her divorce. Gérard Depardieu also appears in the film but only plays a small role.
La Vie d’Adèle
Another film exploring human sexuality is ‘La Vie d’Adèle’ (‘Blue is the Warmest Color’, 2013) directed by Abdellatif Kechiche and starring Léa Seydoux. I watched it at the Leeds International Film Festival in November 2013, a few months after it won the Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or. I may have felt uncomfortable watching some scenes, but at the same time I applaud Kechiche for making this film about lesbian sexuality, a theme rarely talked about let alone explored in mainstream cinema.
De rouille et d’os
Another French film I watched at the Leeds International Film Festival is ‘De rouille et d’os’ (‘Rust and Bone’, 2012). Directed by Jacques Audiard, it stars Marion Cotillard, who plays a woman in a wheelchair struggling to come to terms with losing her legs in an accident.
Augustine
I watched ‘Augustine’ (2012) at the 7th European Psychoanalytic Film Festival which took place in London in 2013. Director by Alice Winocour, it is a historical drama about a love affair between French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot and one of his patients, Augustine.
Intouchables
Directed by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano, the ‘Intouchables’ (2011) stars François Cluzet and Omar Sy. The film is about the friendship between a middle-aged quadriplegic man and his carer, a much younger man with a criminal record. Several remakes have been released, including an American one, called ‘The Upside’ (2017). Directed by Neil Burger, it stars Bryan Cranston, Nicole Kidman, and Julianna Margulies.
The Artist
Directed by Michel Hazanavicius, ‘The Artist’ (2011), is a black-and-white silent film taking us back to an era when movies were silent. A successful actor struggles personally and professionally when he falls in love with a younger actress, while the ‘talkies’ start taking over. At the Oscars, ‘The Artist’ received ten nominations, and won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor in a Leading Role for Jean Dujardin.
Les petits mouchoirs
Directed by Guillaume Canet and starring Marion Cotillard, Jean Dujardin, and François Cluzet, ’Les petits mouchoirs’ (‘Little White Lies’, 2010) is a drama about a group of friends going on holidays together. The long-awaited sequel, ‘Nous finirons ensemble’ (‘Little White Lies 2’), is set for release in 2019.
L’ Arnacœur
Set in Monaco, ‘L’ Arnacœur’ (‘Heartbreaker’, 2010) is a rom-com by the late director Pascal Chaumeil. It stars Romain Duris and Vanessa Paradis. Duris is hired by Vanessa’s father in order to seduce her and prevent her from getting married to an Englishman.
Paris
‘Paris’ (2008) by Cédric Klapisch stars Juliette Binoche and Romain Duris. Set in Paris, it follows the lives of a number of Parisians; Duris plays a dancer awaiting for a heart transplant, while Binoche plays his divorced sister (and mother of three).
La Vie En Rose
Named after one of the most known songs by Édith Piaf, ‘La Vie En Rose’ (2007) is a biography of the legendary singer. It is directed by Olivier Dahan and stars Marion Cotillard, who won the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.
Paris, je t’aime
‘Paris, je t’aime’ (2006) is an anthology consisting of eighteen short films, each directed by a different director. Most of these directors are not French, but all the films are set in Paris, but in different arrondissements. Some of the directors are Joel and Ethan Coen, Alfonso Cuarón, Alexander Payne, Gus Van Sant, and Olivier Assayas, whereas the short films feature a large number of actors, including Juliette Binoche, Fanny Ardant and Gérard Depardieu.
36 Quai des Orfèvres
Dealing with the theme of crime and punishment, ’36 Quai des Orfèvres’ (2004) is one of my favorite films. Directed by Olivier Marchal and starring Daniel Auteuil and Gérard Depardieu, it tells the story of two Parisian cops, rivals for promotion.
Jeux d’enfants
‘Jeux d’enfants’ (‘Love Me If You Dare’, 2003) is a rom-com directed by Yann Samuell and starring Marion Cotillard. The film tells the story of two childhood friends as they paddle along through life.
Callas Forever
‘Callas Forever’ (2002) by the recently deceased Italian director Franco Zeffirelli preceded ‘La Vie en Rose’ by 5 years. Starring Fanny Ardant and Jeremy Irons, it is a biographical film about Greek soprano Maria Callas. Set in Paris, it introduces us to Callas during the last year of her life. Ironically it is the last film that Zeffirelli made.
Three Colors: Blue/White/Red
Polish director Krzysztof Kieślowski is best known for the ‘Three Colors’ trilogy, which includes two films in French (‘Blue’ and ‘Red’) and one in Polish (‘White’). The three critically acclaimed films were released sequentially in the early 1990s, and are based on the national motto of France: Liberté, égalité, fraternité. They are named after the colors of the French flag. Even though they are part of a trilogy, their stories are largely independent of each other. ‘Red’ (1994) was nominated for three Academy Awards (Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Screenplay).
Le Grand Bleu
Directed by Luc Besson, the iconic ’Le Grand Bleu’ (‘The Big Blue’, 1988) takes us back to the 1960s and to the Greek island of Amorgos, where a friendship between two children, who are to become established free-divers, is formed. From the blue waters of the Aegean, the story follows them to adulthood and to Sicily.
Films set in France
France in general, and Paris in particular, often feature in films from other countries. Here are some of my favorites:
Midnight in Paris
One of the latest Woody Allen films, ‘Midnight in Paris’ (2011) features a first-class cast, including stars Owen Wilson, Kathy Bates, Adrien Brody, Carla Bruni, Marion Cotillard, and Léa Seydoux. Set in Paris, it travels back and forth in time, taking us from the present back to the early 20th century. Like most Woody Allen films, ’Midnight in Paris’ evokes a romantic and nostalgic atmosphere, but it also raises important questions about the past and the present. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards (including for Best Picture) and won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.
Chocolat
Based on the novel of the same name by Joanne Harris, ‘Chocolat’ (2001) seems more relevant now than ever before. Directed by Lasse Hallström, it stars Juliette Binoche, Johnny Depp and Judi Dench. Binoche plays a young mother who arrives in a small French village and opens a chocolaterie. Her very presence there questions long-established values held by most members of the small community. Resistance increases when she falls in love with a Roma passing by the village. ‘Chocolat’ was nominated for five Academy Awards, including for Best Picture and for Best Actress.
Moulin Rouge!
Named after the iconic Parisian cabaret, ‘Moulin Rouge!‘ (2001) is a romantic musical by Baz Luhrmann. Set in Montmartre, it stars Ewan McGregor, who plays an English writer that falls in love with the star of Moulin Rouge (played by Nicole Kidman). Easily one of my favorite musicals!
Last Tango in Paris
Directed by the Italian director Bernardo Bertolucci and starring Marlon Brando, the controversial film ‘Last Tango in Paris’ (1972) explores human sexuality against the backdrop of the French capital. Brando was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor, whereas Bertolucci was nominated for the Oscar for Best Director.
Francophone cinema
Most French films are -unsurprisingly- produced in France; yet, there are French-language films from other countries too (not only French-speaking ones):
A cinematic journey to Belgium
Bordering France, Luxembourg, Germany and the Netherlands, Belgium is home to two main linguistic communities: the Dutch-speaking, mostly Flemish Community, and the French-speaking Community. There’s also a small German-speaking Community.
When I think of Belgian films, the first one to come to mind is ‘Two Days, One Night’ (‘Deux jours, une nuit’, 2014) directed by the Dardenne brothers, and starring Marion Cotillard. Set in Liège, it follows a factory worker in her attempt to keep her job. To prevent her dismissal, she has to convince her colleagues to give up their bonuses.
Belgium has been nominated for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film seven times (but never won). About half of these films are in French, whilst the rest are in Dutch. The most recent nomination was in 2013 with the Dutch-language film ‘The Broken Circle Breakdown’ by Felix Van Groeningen.
A cinematic journey to Switzerland
A landlocked country bordering France, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein and Italy, Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. I have to admit that I am not familiar with any Swiss films, most of which are in German or in French. Switzerland has been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film five times, and has won twice. Two of the five films nominated are in French; the rest are in German. The two winners are the French-language ‘La Diagonale du fou’ (‘Dangerous Moves’, 1984) by Richard Dembo, and the German-language ‘Journey of Hope’ (‘Reise der Hoffnung’, 1990) by Xavier Koller.
A cinematic journey to Austria
Let’s now move on to neighboring Austria, a German-speaking country that does not even border France. German-born director Michael Haneke is an Austrian national, but he is best known for his French-language films such as ‘The Piano Teacher’ (‘La Pianiste’, 2001), starring Isabelle Huppert, and ‘Amour’ (2012). The former won the Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix, whereas the latter won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and the Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or. Set in Paris, ‘Amour’ is one of my favorite films; it tells the story of an elderly couple whose love is tested when one of them suffers a stroke. I watched it at the Leeds International Film Festival in November 2012. Other French-language films by Haneke are ‘Caché’ (‘Hidden’, 2005), starring Daniel Auteuil and Juliette Binoche, and ‘Happy End’ (2017) starring Isabelle Huppert. They are both set in France (in Paris and Calais respectively).
A cinematic journey to Canada
Moving across the pond, we now visit Canada, where one fifth population are native French speakers.
Born and raised in the francophone city of Montreal in Quebec, Xavier Dolan is the first Canadian film-maker that comes to mind. His filmography includes ‘J’ai tué ma mère’ (‘I Killed My Mother’, 2009) and ‘Mommy’ (2014), where he explores the relationship between a mother and a gay son. ‘Juste la fin du monde’ (’It’s Only the End of the World’, 2016), which I watched at the Leeds International Film Festival, features a first-class cast, including Marion Cotillard, Léa Seydoux and Vincent Cassel, and tells the story of a young gay man with a terminal illness. It’s another film where Dolan explores personal themes such as gay sexuality and complex family relationships. In his most recent film, ‘Matthias & Maxime’ (2019), which I recently watched at the BFI London Film Festival, Dolan stays loyal to the theme of gay sexuality, but this time he explores it in the context of friendship. An actor, director and screenwriter, Dolan has also directed music videoclips, such as ‘Hello’ by Adele, and ‘College Boy’ by the French band Indochine.
Canada has been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film seven times, and has won once; this was in 2003 with the French-language film ‘Les Invasions barbares’ (‘The Barbarian Invasions’) by Denys Arcand. The most recent nomination was in 2012 with ‘Rebelle’ (‘War Witch’) by Kim Nguyen.
à bientôt!
Alex
(the Traveling Psychiatrist)