Review of The Gleaners and I (2000) by Madeline M — 10 Jun 2011

At the beginning of the film, Agnes Varda informs the audience of a brief history of gleaning, showing classic paintings of women stooping over in search of grain in golden windswept fields. I think she believes her role is of a modern-day artist, capturing the images of gleaners today, but oh have times changed.

The dumpsters, trash and potato piles are not as picturesque as classic paintings she returns to throughout the film, but the story that she uncovers along the way is an interesting work of art. The gleaners of modern-day France are the desperate and impoverished.

There are several annoying scenes that should have been cut; including the grabbing the tractor trailers on the highway and the jazzy lenscap scenes. The self-reflection on old-age did not seem to fit into the scope of the film, she is making a relevant documentary at age 72, what's to worry about? This is really a two part documentary, including the 60 minute The Gleaners and I: Two Years Later which I found more substantial than part 1.

It was interesting to see the audience reaction to the film by reviewing letters, gifts and personal visits.