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The Lives of Albert Camus
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The Lives of Albert Camus (2020)

Albert Camus died at 46 years old on January 4, 1960, two years after his Nobel Prize in literature. Author of “L'Etranger”, one of the most widely read novels in the world, philosopher of the absurd and of revolt, resistant, journalist, playwright, Albert Camus had an extraordinary destiny. Child of the poor districts of Algiers, tuberculosis patient, orphan of father, son of an illiterate and deaf mother, he tore himself away from his condition thanks to his teacher. French from Algeria, he never ceased to fight for equality with the Arabs and the Kabyle, while fearing the Independence of the FLN. Founded on restored and colorized archives, and first-hand accounts, this documentary attempts to paint the portrait of Camus as he was.

Directed by Georges-Marc Benamou

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Georges-Marc Benamou

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Thematic Analysis

The Lives of Albert Camus represents a fascinating example of Documentary/History/TV Movie cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Georges-Marc Benamou brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2020, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Lives of Albert Camus took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 98 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 139 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 49 unique compositions.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
  • The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 2020, when this film is released:
  • Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Lives of Albert Camus shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Gandhi, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Lives of Albert Camus subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Stephen King: Master of Horror and Andrei Rublev explore similar territory, The Lives of Albert Camus stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: January 22, 2020
  • Runtime: 1h 38m

Where to Watch

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