Category Archives: French Cinema

A complicated woman: Early Brigitte Bardot

Brigitte Bardot has just turned 80 today (28th September), and as a birthday tribute to one of the iconic film personalities of the twentieth century, I want to briefly highlight some of her early filmography that’s relevant to this … Continue reading

Posted in Brigitte Bardot, Claude Autant-Lara, France, Henri-Georges Clouzot | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

A review: “Jours tranquilles à Clichy” [1990 France, Italy, Germany]

Too often in the history of cinema have we seen a legendary director bring an inspired piece of literature to film and completely miss, not only its central theme, but also the pulse. The culprit on this occasion of … Continue reading

Posted in Claude Chabrol, France | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

A film review: “Le milieu du monde” [Switzerland, France 1974]

With his romantic drama “Le milieu du monde” [Eng. Title: The Middle of the World], Alain Tanner signals a marked shift in the style and content of his film-making, one that’ll also usher-in the most productive and creative phase … Continue reading

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A film review: “Le chant des mariées” [2008 France, Tunisia]

In her second film, “Le chant des mariées” [Eng. Title: The Wedding Song], writer-director Karin Albou elaborates on themes that she’d also explored earlier in her début feature (La petite Jérusalem) – about love, friendship, and the communal flux … Continue reading

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Where it burns: “Une flamme dans mon coeur” [1987 Switzerland, France]

Alain Tanner makes a concerted attempt at re-interpreting feminist ideals with his intense and controversial drama “Une flamme dans mon coeur” [Eng. Title: A Flame in My Heart]. However, over the film’s course, he drops the topic and reverts … Continue reading

Posted in Alain Tanner, Switzerland | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments