Review of Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (1976) by Paul J — 06 Apr 2012
An astonishing experiment. First off, this movie is not for everyone. It's over three hours and very little actually happens. For example, we spend 5 minutes watching our main character peel potatoes.
However, if you enjoy something brave, bold and original then this movie is unbelievable. It's Cassavetes meets Andy Warhol with a feminine touch. What makes it so intriguing is that it's practically in real time.
Akerman doesn't just want to tell us a story, she wants us to EXPERIENCE the story. Much like 2001: A Space Odyssey or any Cassavates' film. The slow and gradual progression of our main protagonist's disintegration is subtlety and effectively shown.
The banal, mundane routine of her existence is something that we can all relate to on some level. How many times do we exit and enter rooms? How many times do we repeat the same banal exercises? Life is filled with these moments.
Is it any wonder Jeanne Dielman loses it in the end? Not to mention all the gender role stereotypes that are addressed here. It's an unassuming and understated masterpiece. The smallest mistake - the dropping of a teaspoon - can have shocking ramifications.
It may be alienating to most but thank God there are filmmakers like Chantal Akerman. She is willing to take these risks and make something original and extraordinarily truthful.
This review of Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (1976) was written by Paul J on 06 Apr 2012.
Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles has generally received very positive reviews.
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