Exploring Paris With the New Wave

Read Time:4 Minute, 25 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Six in Paris (Paris vu par…)
–

Genre: Comedy, Drama
Year Released: 1965, 2024 Icarus Films Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 35m
Writer(s)/Director(s): Claude Chabrol (segment "La Muette",) Jean Douchet (segment "Saint-Germain-des-Prés",) Jean-Luc Godard (segment "Montparnasse-Levallois",) Jean-Daniel Pollet (segment "Rue Saint-Denis",) Éric Rohmer (segment "Place de l'Étoile",) Jean Rouch (segment "Gare du Nord")
Cast: Various
Where To Watch: available for pre-order, order here: www.vinegarsyndrome.com

RAVING REVIEW: Exploring the enchanting streets of the French capital, SIX IN PARIS presents a patchwork anthology of visionary tales, each directed by a different maestro of the 60s New Wave. This Blu-ray restoration not only revitalizes a vibrant era of filmmaking but does so with a palette of narratives as varied as Paris itself. From insightful social commentaries to intimate personal dramas, this collection showcases the dynamic ways cinema can capture the essence of a city and its people.

Stepping into the world of SIX IN PARIS is like wandering through an art gallery where each painting tells a different story of the same city. Barbet Schroeder, the orchestrator of this cinematic ensemble, sets the stage for an exploration of Paris that feels timeless and distinctly rooted in the 1960s.

Jean Douchet’s “Saint Germain-des-Prés” pulls us into the cultural whirlpool of Paris, viewed through the eyes of an American visitor. This segment dives into the misunderstandings between American and French perceptions, portraying the superficial interactions with French culture that often miss its deeper currents. The film portrays fleeting relationships and entrenched cultural gaps with a sharp, intelligent narrative.

Next, the camera sweeps through the bustling environment of “Gare du Nord” by Jean Rouch, where a mundane day spirals into dramatic revelations. Here, a marriage unravels against the backdrop of one of Paris’s busiest transit hubs. Rouch captures this descent in a single, fluid sequence that transitions from personal turmoil to a climactic public moment, mirroring the chaotic nature of urban life.

Jean-Daniel Pollet’s “Rue Saint-Denis” offers a contemplative pause in the collection, focusing on the quiet depth of simple human connections. A humble dinner between a dishwasher and a streetwise woman evolves into a profound exploration of companionship, showcasing Pollet’s gift for finding extraordinary narratives in ordinary settings.

In “Place de l'Étoile,” directed by Éric Rohmer, the lighter moments of humanity blend with a severe critique of urban change. Rohmer spins the tale of a man haunted by an accidental encounter that symbolizes the sweeping transformations engulfing the city, packaging this introspection with his trademark blend of wit and wisdom.

Jean-Luc Godard’s “Montparnasse et Levallois” then shifts gears into a realm of stylistic innovation. This segment dissects a tangled web of relationships through a minimalist lens, blending the real with the reel in a narrative that reflects deeply on the artistic soul and its expressions in life and art.

Concluding the anthology, Claude Chabrol’s “La Muette” uses dark humor to underscore a poignant critique of familial dysfunction. In the film, a young boy, overwhelmed by his parents’ constant disputes, resorts to literal silence, creating a powerful metaphor for emotional isolation to show his disillusionment with his family.

The restoration breathes new life into these films, enhancing their visual splendor and ensuring that the revolutionary spirit of the New Wave reaches a new generation of viewers. As a whole, SIX IN PARIS commemorates an iconic era in filmmaking and invites contemporary audiences to engage with its stories in a profoundly personal way.

This collection is a vibrant ode to Paris, immortalized through the lenses of some of its most celebrated cinematic pioneers. It invites viewers to navigate each director’s unique vision, stitched together into a narrative that celebrates the art of filmmaking and the city of lights. SIX IN PARIS is not just a set of films; it’s a cinematic journey that continues to inspire and captivate.

Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching Overly Honest Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of ICARUS FILMS, OCN, VINEGAR SYNDROME]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices, regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.