At the beginning of the scene I immediately felt the character's desperation, loneliness and anguish, which she tries to deal with by nervously manipulating the banknote. I think this part is a metaphor for society's consumerism, which uses money as a way of dealing with emotions. As for the police station, what struck me was the character's complete helplessness with her naked genitals (a metaphor for the lack of intimacy and the exposure of individuality, which are also commonplace in our society).
I think the whole scene is an excellent metaphor for today's societies, where consumerism, loneliness and detachment from oneself are sources of anguish, despair, helplessness and internal conflicts.
What a brilliant walkthrough into this scene. I have never watched this movie but the lead actor is an actor who always strikes me for his presence in scenes. I will give it a go.
I love analysis posts about cinematography, such as this. As an ex-photographer, I find it fascinating. I spent a lot of time as a child around sets and editing suites, as my father worked in film, and I'm so appreciative of the directorial magic which goes into creating a visually compelling and arresting piece.
My favorite part of this movie was when he prevented the stag from hitting the vehicle he was in. Really good movie though, character study wise and arc. Have you ever seen The Congress? I keep asking people to watch it because I've never been able to discuss it with anyone but my husband. It was so ahead of it's time having been made in 2013.
I have a feeling you're going to like it. Please let me know what you think. I had to watch it a couple of times but it was worth it, very surreal and life is imitating now.
I am curious as to what “Un Prophet” says to French person like you, as opposed to what I thought I understood about it as an American who, like many Americans, thinks- maybe- I understand a little about France & French history, and French society.
By the same token I am very, very curious about your thoughts on Michael Haneke’s “Caché”. Because that was saying something about French society that I had no reference for when I first saw it.
The last time I saw the full film was about ten years ago. I just remembered that specific scene, I would need to re-watch it properly to give justice to your question as it's a bit fuzzy (And I remember it was a 3 hours film)
Please watch “Caché”, it’s fantastic just as a thriller/mystery, never mind the historical/poetical under-current. (Maybe it’s actually not an “under-current” at all. I don’t know, lol. That’s why I’m interested in your reaction.) Cheers and Happy New Year.
I absolutely love your film analysis. Thank you
At the beginning of the scene I immediately felt the character's desperation, loneliness and anguish, which she tries to deal with by nervously manipulating the banknote. I think this part is a metaphor for society's consumerism, which uses money as a way of dealing with emotions. As for the police station, what struck me was the character's complete helplessness with her naked genitals (a metaphor for the lack of intimacy and the exposure of individuality, which are also commonplace in our society).
I think the whole scene is an excellent metaphor for today's societies, where consumerism, loneliness and detachment from oneself are sources of anguish, despair, helplessness and internal conflicts.
I'd like to see the film "Dheepan" by
Jacques Audiard
What a brilliant walkthrough into this scene. I have never watched this movie but the lead actor is an actor who always strikes me for his presence in scenes. I will give it a go.
Some ideas of movies:
🔸️"Pourquoi tu pleures ?" By Katia Lewkowicz
🔸️"Jude, the Obscure" by Michael Winterbottom
🔸️"Drive my car" by Ryūsuke Hamaguchi
Bonne Pioche 💡
Excellent, I've seen none of these
Can I add the masterpiece "Lola" by Jacques Demy. You can take a look at this article I wrote years ago: https://kevaepale.medium.com/roland-cassard-ou-la-perle-du-devenir-e9bb0aa3a287
I am looking forward to reading your next movie analysis!
I love analysis posts about cinematography, such as this. As an ex-photographer, I find it fascinating. I spent a lot of time as a child around sets and editing suites, as my father worked in film, and I'm so appreciative of the directorial magic which goes into creating a visually compelling and arresting piece.
Thanks Belinda
My favorite part of this movie was when he prevented the stag from hitting the vehicle he was in. Really good movie though, character study wise and arc. Have you ever seen The Congress? I keep asking people to watch it because I've never been able to discuss it with anyone but my husband. It was so ahead of it's time having been made in 2013.
I haven’t seen The Congress, I’ll have to check it out. Thx for the tip!
I have a feeling you're going to like it. Please let me know what you think. I had to watch it a couple of times but it was worth it, very surreal and life is imitating now.
I was so happy to read another film analysis! This one was excellent also. What a powerful few scenes. Thank you for breaking them down for us.
Thanks Rebecca
I felt lost and violated watching the impactful scene. You broke it down poignantly!
Thanks Nadia :)
Amazing scene analysis, A Prophet is a terrific and haunting film. Thank you.
Hey Bruno, thanks!
Oh! Are we allowed to suggest movies?
The Third Man (1949) Carol Reed, w a still very handsome Orson Welles in maybe the neé plus ultra of all post-war villain/anti-hero, gangster, role.
Perfect I'll check that out
Love that movie, love this post. Look forward to more of these
🙌
I am curious as to what “Un Prophet” says to French person like you, as opposed to what I thought I understood about it as an American who, like many Americans, thinks- maybe- I understand a little about France & French history, and French society.
By the same token I am very, very curious about your thoughts on Michael Haneke’s “Caché”. Because that was saying something about French society that I had no reference for when I first saw it.
The last time I saw the full film was about ten years ago. I just remembered that specific scene, I would need to re-watch it properly to give justice to your question as it's a bit fuzzy (And I remember it was a 3 hours film)
I'll check out Cache, thanks for the tip!
Please watch “Caché”, it’s fantastic just as a thriller/mystery, never mind the historical/poetical under-current. (Maybe it’s actually not an “under-current” at all. I don’t know, lol. That’s why I’m interested in your reaction.) Cheers and Happy New Year.
It's on the list :)