Every year in March, the French Film Festival organised by the Alliance Francaise is the perfect opportunity to bring a great number of French movies to our Australian cinemas. It all began twenty years ago with a modest program of i think 5 to 6 movies. I've been a regular follower since 1993 and in those days we were happy with 8 to 10 movies. In recent years, the popularity of the festival has grown immensely and naturally the number of movies selected increased as well. In 2009, we could see 35 movies. I mean if we don't have anything else to do of course. In my case, i will try to see about ten keeping in mind that some of the selected movies will be released during the year.
Looking at the program, i can see the choice of the programer, Jean-Jacques Garnier- the man responsible of bringing back Bertrand Tavenier late last year to Australia, is a fair one. If comedies are well represented, he has also chosen a number of more intimate movies. Without doubt, the festival centrepiece will be the two part movie of France's most recognisable criminal, Jacques Mesrine played by Vincent Cassel. For me both movies are a must to see and if possible it makes sense to watch part one before part two.
The opening night movie is directed by Christophe Barathier who made the extremely popular "Les Choristes" few years back. In "Paris 36", he recreates the French Capital of the Leon Blum era - 1936 where a group of unemployed enthusiasts will save a theatre in a lush reconstituted production with lots of music and dance. A true French experience that might sound rather exotic for aussie viewers.
As mentioned above, a number of comedies are being shown part of this year festival. The remake of "L'emmerdeur" - a french classic dated from 1973 is this time directed by Francis Veber who was the author of the original screenplay. In this new version the hero and the anti hero are played by Richard Berry and Patrick Timsit. With Francis Veber, we are always guaranteed to spend a good time. Daniel Auteuil is present in two movies; "Daddy cool" about a father/daughter relationship in a form of comedy and "Me two" with Alain Chabat and a subject that has a surreal touch. The other great comedy is the third Asterix movie which as always will entertain the audience.
I have great admiration to the director/actor Emmanuel Mouret. "Shall we kiss?" is selected and i am very keen to enjoy it. I am also keen to see the new movie by Jean Becker called "Love me no more".
For lovers of intellectual french cinema, my recommendation will be " A christmas tale" by Arnaud Desplechin. He makes very long movies but are worth a look. "Summer hours" by Olivier Assayas is also another choice but i will wait its commercial release in April. I have to admit i missed with enormous regret the premier screening of this movie that will take place in one week time followed by Q&A with Juliette Binoche and David Stratton. All tickets were sold super fast!
For more information about all 35 selected movies with schedule of screening times, you can check the festival website: www.frenchfilmfestival.org
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Posted by: dmwzoz | July 03, 2011 at 06:00 PM