This Wednesday, November 27, 2024, Arte is broadcasting a film little known to the general public in France and which nevertheless left its mark on many film-loving critics. Tele-Leisure explains to you why he shook the world of cinema.
After The Cairo Conspiracy (this Sunday, November 24, 2024), the Arte channel broadcasts another cinema classic this Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at 8:55 p.m. It is about Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Brussels. This film tells the story of a widow and stay-at-home mother who lives in a modest apartment. The viewer follows her in her daily tasks, from getting up to going to bed, and in a very detailed way, almost in real time. A routine that seems very ordinary at first glance, but during which Jeanne Dielman, played by Delphine Seyrig, prostitutes herself at the end of the afternoon. However, one morning, the young woman wakes up late, disrupting her entire routine. Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Brussels has particularly fascinated film critics around the world. And for good reason, this film was glorified in 2022 with a particularly honorary title.
Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Brussels named best film of all time
Made at just 25 years old by director Chantal Akerman and released in 1975, this cinematic work was recognized in 2022 as the best film of all time. This consecration comes from Sight and Sounda particularly famous journal from the British Film Institute. Thus, the Belgian feminist film was selected following the vote of one thousand six hundred critics around the world. After names like Orson Welles or Alfred Hitchcock, this is the first time that the top of this prestigious ranking is held by a female director. A first in the world of cinema, which Chantal Akerman unfortunately was not able to see during her lifetime. The filmmaker committed suicide in 2015, at the age of just 65.
What is special about Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Brussels ?
We can say that this film can easily be called a feature film since it lasts more than three hours. A fairly long duration which condenses into just three days of Jeanne’s life. 72 hours in the daily intimacy of this modest housewife during which we follow chronologically almost every fact and gesture. Although it may seem boring at first, the succession of long still shots that characterizes the film is very hypnotic. This very intimate way of filming is a true masterstroke on the part of Chantal Akerman, an innovator of the genre. Not to be missed.
