MY JOURNEY THROUGH FRENCH CINEMA BD

A fascinating and informative documentary about the history of French cinema, presented by someone who personally experienced much of that history. It is largely told with many lengthy clips from the films, however there seems to be a problem with how those clips were transferred. While they are high definition images, there is a "ghosting" or brief double image during lateral motion on the screen, quite distracting. The Blu-ray would have otherwise rated five stars from me. But I still highly recommend it.Update 4/25/18 - I have since purchased the Region 2 Studiocanal release of the film from Amazon UK. It does not have the double image issue I described above. Apparently there is not a Region B Blu-ray version however. And, for some reason, the UK version is titled "A Journey Through French Cinema" not "My Journey ...".

A passionate and interesting ‘journey’ through French cinema from an insider’s view, in what seems to be the first part, with a sequel, to follow. And I’d look forward to that; not just as a fan of Bertrand Tavernier and his films, but also for his illuminating presentations and anecdotes.A good companion piece to this, is Martin Scorsese’s “Voayage To Italy” which is highly recommended. Though it’s somewhat Roberto Rossellini-centric, he provides fascinating analyses and anecdotes of other Italian filmmakers, notably, Vittorio de Sica, Federico Fellini, Luchino Visconti et al.Tavernier’s ‘Journey’ varies from Scorsese’s ‘Voyage’ in his inclusion of the contributions of the cast and crew; with one chapter devoted to French actor Jean Gabin and, another, to film music composers, notably, Maurice Jauvert.Definitely one for ultiple viewing.

A real education concerning French cinema!

So freaking boring. Bailed after 20 minutes skipping around. And I am a French prof too....Wish I could invent it.

Too long. Not worth the expenditure

“My Journey Through French Cinema” is a guided tour by director Bertrand Tavernier of France’s film history. Tavernier became an internationally acclaimed director with his first feature, “The Clockmaker” (1974), and in the 40 years-plus since, he has created the motion pictures, “The Judge and the Assassin,” “Coup de Torchon,” and “A Sunday in the Country.” In this documentary, he looks back over his nation’s cinematic legacy.He discusses and shows several clips from films he enjoyed as a boy to those of his contemporaries and his own early career. The lengthy (192 minutes) film contains portraits of key creative figures, including master directors Jean Renoir, Marcel Carne, Jean-Luc Godard, Francois Truffaut, Claude Chabrol, and Jean-Pierre Melville. Also profiled are actor Jean Gabin and the composers who have contributed so much to the films’ atmosphere.Tavernier focuses primarily on classical French movies from the 1930s through the 1950s. Though many films, such as Renoir’s “Grand Illusion,” have received considerable criticism and analysis, Tavernier manages to let us see the film from a fresh perspective. His love of film is apparent in his depth of understanding not only of cinematic art, but of the emotional impact film can have. A film like this cannot be entirely objective, and even at over three hours, the film is hardly comprehensive, but it does provide an affectionate overview of many of the films that influenced Tavernier’s career and the French national cinema.The Blu-ray release includes an interview with director Bertrand Tavernier. The film is in French, with English subtitles.

Director Tavernier, a so-so filmmaker, shows - in no chronological order - tons of snippets from films he enjoyed as a kid, teen and apprentice director. His focus is solely on directors he knew or admired. Far, far too long a doc, he spends a huge amount of time on Marcel Carne, without making one perceptive comment. He does the same w Jean Gabin. After a minute on Signoret, the key femme stars just disappear. He neglects to mention the great director Robert Bresson, an omission that betrays the pedestrian quality of the 3-hour vanity project. Equally bad, he resurrects gossipy fluff about Jean Renoir, which makes you dislike geezer Tavernier very much.

Superb!!!