Movie Madness

"A film is never really good unless the camera is an eye in the head of a poet."

So said Orson Welles, one of the crowning jewels (and jewel makers) in American film history.

Whilst we in American are known for our origination of pop culture, film has become a global medium. Bollywood makes more movies than Hollywood, China is the biggest film market in the world, and the French go bananas for films.

It is interesting however, to note again the prevalence of American films in France, and the sad lack of french films in america. Our loss. Not to say that we can't find them if we try, but it is a specialty market. American films tend to BE the market, largely at least.

Cinema was invented in France, and is a large part of the culture, despite being glossed over by big american vehicles. I read an article in a french magazine of forgotten title which discussed the recent uptick in "socially concerned films" and a growing french independent film circle. Whilst the latter has always been around, this year marked several films which tackled enormous issues, like adoptive children, social ostracism and the lives of juvenile police protectors (I mention the last one here, "Polisse").

So I invite you to take a peek at four of my new favorite french films I've seen while here.

They are talking about making "Les Intouchables" into an American remake. Currently HUGELY popular in francophone countries, it is the heart warming, sassy and true story of a senegalese immigrant from the slums who befriends a quadraplegic billionaire.

Polisse is the other end of the emotional spectrum. Made by Maïwenn, an actress and director who knows a thing or two about child abuse herself, it chronicles the day to day life of juvenile protection and enforcement officers. Not for the weak of mind, this film attempted to make no rhyme or reason of the violence against minors, nor helps us to come away with a moral. Such a departure from the manufactured ends of Hollywood, and all the better for it.

A classic from 1966, I watched this in my cinema class. Rather whimsical, and full of random things that make you go "wow, it was so creative for them to think of doing that, it gives it so much more meaning." Spoiler: Most of the creative things (like switching between black and white for the indoor shots, and color for outdoors) were done to save money. Won a helluva lot of awards, and remains a classic of the "Nouveau Vague."

It's a child's movie. I like it for the music.