Bad Company: Films of Jean Eustache

BAD COMPANY: Les Films de Jean Eustache

Most cineastes are unfamiliar with the films of Jean Eustace (1938-1981) for the primary reason that his films are hardly screened in North America.  Myself, this is my first opportunity to experience the work of the French New Wave director. 

Cinematheque Ontario presents this coming week, an excellent selection of Eustache films.  The title of the series is “Bad Company” for the sole reason that his protagonists are not the typical faultless hero.  Judging from the two feature films I have previewed - here I may be wrong in generalizing – but Eustache’s anti-heroes behave the way they do as a result of the environment, times and influence.  They still possess strong characteristics, made even stronger by the affecting influences.

LA MAMAN ET LA PUTAIN (THE MOTHER AND THE WHORE), Jean Eustache’s arguably masterpiece of 219 sprawling but awesome minutes is pure pleasure in cinematic terms.  Capsule review of this film and others are laid out below.

For full information on the series, venue, ticket pricing and schedule, check the Cinematheque Ontario website at:
http://www.cinemathequeontario.ca

LA MAMAN ET LA PUTAIN (THE MOTHER AND THE WHORE)
(France 1973) *****

Not enough superlatives can be used to describe Eustache’s arguable masterpiece of his take on the changing times of the early 70’s in Paris as seen from his hero, Alexandre (Jean-Pierre Leaud).  The story centres on a ménage a trios with Alexandre chasing a nurse, Veronika (played by Eustache’s girlfriend at the time, Francois Lebrun) while living with Marie (Bernadette Lafont) who happens to love and support him.  In one scene, Alexandre tells Veronika that poverty will not stop him from eating well or getting cultivated.  Here, Eustache displays both contrasting characteristics – admirable and betraying – of his hero, never judging him.  This character is ultimately mesmerizing in his outlook and behavior and Eustache uses his acts to paint an exclusive picture of his view on life during that era.  Eustache also pays homage to his peer filmmakers like Carne, Ray and Murnau while expressing his delight for both ‘good’ thinking films and commercial ‘lux’ television.  Leaud is utterly charming as the unlikely lady-killer who sweet talks himself from one bed to another.  His best dialogue involves him arguing how food should always be served soft and lukewarm.  It is most rewarding to see him in a different light from his Antoine Daniel role in the Francois Truffaut films.  Though running a lengthy 219 minutes, Eustache’s film flies really fast.  Life imitates art and the coldness depicted in the film could perhaps provide a hint to the reason behind Eustache’s suicide in 1981.
(Screening: Friday July 11th 7 pm)

MES PETITES AMOUREUSES (MY LITTLE LOVES)
(France 1974) ****

MES PETITES AMOUREUSES (MY LITTLE LOVES) is writer/director Jean Eustache’s portrait of one year in the life of an adolescent in a small town.  Daniel (Martin Loeb) is taken from high school and grandmother (Jacqueline Dufranne) to live in the south of France with his mother (Ingrid Caven).  Forced to work in a moped repair shop, Daniel grows up too quickly in a bad way.  He gets into bad company with an older crowd while getting his way with the girls in the town.  It is clear that Daniel is smarter than the rest of his gang but his lifestyle does not allow him to show his true potential.  Eustache’s simple style and slow pace allows the viewer to examine Daniel’s thoughts and change of character.  Eustache fondness of long takes and tracking aids getting the viewer’s attention.  The best segment is a romantic showdown (western style) at a local café.  The result is a quiet but powerful uncompromising film about growing up.
(Screening: Monday July 14th 7 pm)

LES PHOTOS D’ALIX
(France 1980) ***

Simple short lasting 18 minutes of young friend Alix-Clio Roubaud commenting on several photos she has taken with Boris, the director’s son.  What is seen in each photograph is revealed to be totally different and unexpected.  An ok exercise in film experimentation!
(Screening: Thursday July 17th at 7 pm)