Review of Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (1976) by X. T — 23 Jan 2009
This is some rigorous shit. It's basically 3+ hours of Delphine Seyrig doing housework composed of perfectly framed static shots that often lasts for many minutes each. (Although never once does she irons any clothes) There are several long scenes in which Seyrig just sits there doing nothing.
However Akerman manages to capture something quite mysterious about her daily rituals, as virtually nothing is revealed about her inner thoughts or emotions. The details of these ritualized household chores and the subtle variations that occur from day to day (plus a few expositional dialogue) give the only clues to her character.
To top it Seyrig gives another one of her fantastic zombie-like performances.
This review of Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (1976) was written by X. T on 23 Jan 2009.
Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles has generally received very positive reviews.
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