Movie Discussion: The Gleaners and I (2000) by Agnès Varda
Details
Agnès Varda’s extraordinary late-career renaissance began with this wonderfully idiosyncratic, self-reflexive documentary in which the French cinema icon explores the world of modern-day gleaners: those living on the margins who survive by foraging for what society throws away. Embracing the intimacy and freedom of digital filmmaking, Varda posits herself as a kind of gleaner of images and ideas, one whose generous, expansive vision makes room for ruminations on everything from aging to the birth of cinema to the beauty of heart-shaped potatoes. By turns playful, philosophical, and subtly political, The Gleaners and I is a warmly human reflection on the contradictions of our consumerist world from an artist who, like her subjects, finds unexpected richness where few think to look.
"A lyrically ramshackle essay about people, including Varda herself, who don't fit into society's cubbyholes." (New York Magazine)
"In what appears to be a documentary [Varda] conceals a tender meditation about her own life, and life itself." (Roger Ebert)
"The Gleaners and I is a reflexive and sagacious revelation about alternative ways of living being possible, and perhaps already in practice, but way beyond the radar of any mainstream outlet or point of view." (Sight and Sound)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Let's discuss The Gleaners and I (2000) by Agnès Varda, recently voted the 67th greatest movie of all time in Sight & Sound's international survey of film critics and experts and the 2nd highest ranking documentary film in the poll. We previously discussed Varda's most famous movie Cléo from 5 to 7 (1962).
Please watch the movie in advance and bring your thoughts, reactions, and queries to share with us at the meeting.
You can stream it here (check the player settings for English subtitles and to adjust quality) or rent it on various platforms online (for best quality.)
Check out other film discussions in the group every Friday and occasionally other days.