Chronicle of a Summer
Director: Edgar Morin, Jean Rouch
Actors: Angelo, Nadine Ballot, Catherine
PlotIn the film, the directors embark on an experimental journey to capture the everyday lives and thoughts of Parisians during the summer of 1960. They employ a revolutionary approach to documenting reality by blending elements of documentary and cinéma vérité. The filmmakers converse with various individuals from different socio-economic backgrounds, asking probing and personal questions about their experiences, hopes, and dreams. Through these candid interviews, the subjects share their innermost thoughts and feelings, offering a raw and unfiltered glimpse into their struggles and aspirations.
The narrative weaves together the stories of these interviewees as they navigate love, work, and existential quandaries amid the backdrop of a rapidly changing society. From a factory worker dealing with job dissatisfaction to an African student confronting racism and cultural displacement, the film captures the profound sense of searching and questioning that defines the era. As the film progresses, the directors themselves become part of the exploration, reflecting on the authenticity and impact of their project. The final segments raise significant questions about the nature of truth, reality, and the role of cinema in portraying genuine human experiences.
Writers: N/A
Release Date: 20 Oct 1961
Runtime: 85 min
Rating: Not Rated
Country: France
Language: French
Home Video Reviews
A trend-setting cinema verite masterpiece, 'Chronicle of a Summer' shines with a superbly restored 2K Blu-ray release and exceptional Criterion extras. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Read our review of Chronicle of a Summer Blu-ray Chronique d'un �t� to find out more