America as Seen by a Frenchman
Director: François Reichenbach
Actors: Jean Cocteau, Paul Klinger, June Richmond
PlotA French filmmaker embarks on a vibrant journey across the United States, capturing the eclectic essence of American culture through an outsider’s lens. The film traverses diverse landscapes, from bustling metropolises to serene rural areas, showcasing the vast and varied lifestyles that define America. The filmmaker encounters a colorful array of characters along the way, including jazz singers, circus performers, and everyday citizens, each contributing to a rich tapestry of American life. The film luxuriates in the visual and cultural contrasts found uniquely in the U.S., providing a fascinating mosaic of traditions, modernity, and idiosyncrasies.
The director’s eye for detail shines through as the camera lingers on the exuberance of American entertainment, the grandeur of national landmarks, and the quirks of local customs. The viewer is drawn into a world where optimism and freedom coalesce with a sense of boundless opportunity. Through the film's documentary style, it portrays both the splendor and oddities of American society in the late 1950s and early 1960s, reflecting on the ambition and dynamism that permeates the country. The exploration remains keenly insightful yet affectionate, providing a captivating glimpse into America's multifaceted identity without passing judgment or critique.
Writers: Franz M. Lang, Chris Marker, François Reichenbach
Release Date: 08 Jun 1960
Runtime: 90 min
Rating: N/A
Country: France
Language: French
Home Video Reviews
America as Seen by a Frenchman offers a nostalgic, sometimes paradoxical glimpse of late 50s-early 60s American culture, with solid technical merits.
Read our review of America as Seen by a Frenchman Blu-ray L' Am�rique insolite to find out more