remember! At the end of 2022, a very serious rating came and recognized Jeanne Dielman 23, Quai Du Commerce, 1080 Brussels as the best film in the history of cinema. 1,600 critics voted on the feature film at the request of the BFI’s (British Film Institute) Sight and Sound magazine, and it was this 1976 feature film that came out on top, much to the surprise of many. This rating is updated only once in 10 years.
The best film in the history of cinema or 3 hours 18 of deep boredom? Why revise this divisive work?
Why is this divisive work worth (re)visiting?
Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du commerce, 1080 Brussels is a work unlike any other, surrounded by a unique aura. This is a film that was very little seen when it was released (31,000 admissions in 1976) and which has become very difficult to see legally (due to rights issues) for many years, so it gives it a very rare side as a covert. treasure…
But at the same time, this film by Belgian filmmaker Chantal Akerman, who died in 2015, is being praised and celebrated everywhere by some of the greatest active filmmakers (Todd Haynes, Kelly Reichart, the Dardenne brothers…). The film’s re-release in France last year saw almost 19,000 additional admissions thanks to distributor Capricci. Good point for the release.
Jean Dillman portrays the daily life of a mother who occasionally engages in prostitution. The film takes the time to show all these everyday facts and gestures. Chantal Akerman portrays banality? Detractors will say yes, a movie lasting 3 hours 18 will turn out to be endless, boring, even boring. But to think about that, completely skip the directorial work of Chantal Akerman…”There is a tension that builds because underground we feel that something is going to happen. It’s like an old tragedy, with nothing, almost nothing…Chantal Akerman described this work of tension as follows.
Chantal Akerman in the spotlight in 2024
Behind this work is the filmmaker who many are discovering or rediscovering today: Chantal Ackerman We will remember the 10th anniversary of his death in 2015. His very rich career, highlighted by films, television films, texts and museum installations, arouses a lot of curiosity and interest today.
Like a director like Agnes Varda, who was also born in Belgium, her work eventually gained more attention and was celebrated, especially in museums. Following the Agnès Varda exhibition at the Cinémathèque française, Chantal Akerman is highlighted thanks to Belgian CINEMATEK. Based in the center of Brussels, the institution has joined forces with its neighboring institution, the Bozar Museum, to host an exhibition entitled Chantal Akerman Traveling. At the same time, CINEMATEK broadcasts all the director’s films.
In France, you will have to wait until the 2nd semester to discover some events surrounding Chantal Ackermann. Distributor and publisher Capricci will release a theatrical retrospective of the filmmaker’s work (the retrospective began last year with Jeanne Diehlmann), followed by a DVD/Blu-ray box set and finally the arrival of Chantal’s exhibition Akerman Traveling at Jeu de Paume. in Paris.
Why did you discover Chantal Akerman’s exhibition in Brussels?
Before the Jeu de Paume, the exhibition that just opened in Brussels at the Beaux-Arts is on display until July 21, 2024 in Brussels. This is an expanded version of the exhibition that will come to Paris next. It covers 1000 m2 and ten rooms.
You can discover brand new Super 8 film that has been restored for exhibition. This is the very film he made to enter his film school. The exhibition includes working documents, scripts, handwritten notes, photographs and other press files.
Finally, if you are traveling to the Belgian capital, consider taking a short detour to see the very beautiful mural of Alba Fabre Sacristán, inaugurated in September 2023, on Rue Saint-André in Brussels.
Practical information: Chantal Akerman’s exhibition. travel. from March 14 to July 21, 2024, in Bozar in BrusselsThen from September 27, 2024 to January 19, 2025 at the Jeu de Paume in Paris.
Note the publication of the exhibition book (co-published by Bozar Books – JDP / Lannoo), as well as Chantal Akerman’s written work in 3 volumes, and finally the latest edition of Capricci’s book dedicated to Delphine Seyrig, DELPHINE SEYRIG, IN CONSTRUCTIONS by Jean-Marc Lalanne.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
