Cast
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Sarah-Jane Sauvegrain
as Self (voice)
Louis-Émile Galey
as Self (archive footage)
Claude Heymann
as Self (archive footage)
Jean Dréville
as Self (archive footage)
Marcel Carné
as Self (archive footage)
Raoul Ploquin
as Self (voice) (archive footage)
Henri Calef
as Self (archive footage)
Jean-Paul Le Chanois
as Self (archive footage)
Michel Duran
as Self (archive footage)
Henri-Georges Clouzot
as Self (archive footage)
Hans Borgelt
as Self (archive footage)
Danielle Darrieux
as Self (archive footage)
Max Douy
as Self (archive footage)
Louis Cochet
as Self (archive footage)
Charles Spaak
as Self (archive footage)
Crew
Director
- Pierre-Henri Gibert
Writer
- Pierre-Henri Gibert
Producer
- Vincent Gazaigne
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
1940: Taking over French Cinema 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 Pierre-Henri Gibert 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 2019, 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 1940: Taking over French Cinema took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 55 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 95 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 47 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 1041 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While 1940: Taking over French Cinema shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Kokoda, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, 1940: Taking over French Cinema subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like My Brother Is an Only Child and Mondo explore similar territory, 1940: Taking over French Cinema 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: May 19, 2019
- Runtime: 55m
