MovieChat Forums > Paris nous appartient (1961) Discussion > Great movie

Great movie

posted 17 years ago by MovieMan0283part2
5 replies | jump to latest

Two thoughts: yes, the movie's amateurish but if it had slicker production values would it be better? The humorous scene in the theater comes to mind as a possible answer to that question.

I checked some of the reviews and saw that some critics find it difficult, too obscure, pretentious, etc. It's funny which films and directors we find "difficult" and which we don't. I found this film, my first Rivette, engrossing and stimulating, whereas other directors considered more accessible - like Renoir - have often left me cold on first viewing. (It took a few repeats before I warmed up to The Rules of the Game and I think I still prefer The River). Rohmer's another example. Supposedly a character in Night Moves describes his films as "like watching paint dry" - and I can be a restless viewer, but I've been enchanted by the three feature-length Moral Tales I've seen.

Anyone else as excited by this film as I was?

[–] artihcus022 17 years ago

Well I think they have a point. Overall I think the film is a success but the whole pseudo-existential and absurdist stuff wasn't properly fit in to satisfy you and the ending is a big let down since it doesn't emotionally stimulate you in any way - makes you neither happy nor sad. It's definitely not as good as 'Celine and Julie Go Boating' or 'La Belle Noiseuse'.

But that aside, the cinematography and the composition and the mise-en-scene is exquisite and I haven't seen a better framed New Wave film. And of course ol' JLG's cameo made it worth seeing all on it's own.

How much is a good nights sleep worth?

[–] mac_alain 16 years ago

And of course ol' JLG's cameo made it worth seeing all on it's own.

And not forgetting the one by CC

[–] TemporaryOne-1 14 years ago

Agreed, I found the film exciting and energizing and spiriting and invigourating.

I loved Out 1: Noli Me Tangere, and thought that no Rivette film could equal it, but Paris Nous Appartient definitely did.

Like Out 1, it captures in quintessential fashion the in-the-moment psychological complexities binding together a young generation roaming the sprawling metropolis of Paris.

In the blink of an eye young people are conflicted by uncertainties and fear and paranoia and delusions and nihilism and self-destructive tendencies, which are simultaneously amplified by their youthful vigour and eruptive creative energy and bursts of idealism and spontaneity, but they are then strained by boredom and malcontent and political/social intrigues and hypocrisies, and they perhaps become mentally corrupted with conspiracy theories.

The film should strongly resonate with the young people of every generation.

Those that dislike it - it's their loss.

[–] Xcalat3 13 years ago

Agreed, I found the film exciting and energizing and spiriting and invigourating.

so did I.

Excellent film.

When there's no more room in hell, The dead will walk the earth...

[–] raventhom 8 years ago

NO, I am a fan of Rivette, and Love Rohmer, and Truffaut, Godard, but this left me wondering w t f was he thinking? The ending just bonkered the entire play.
One after another people die... Stabbed in the chest.. suicide? No police?
No, this was not one of his best, or one of his worthwhile even