Beau Travail + (Burgundy please)

Well, there are so many directions we could go after Ali Fear Eats the Soul. Do we cleanse the palate from Fassbinder, or keep going deep while we are already there? Well, I decided to bring it, so here we are : )

Inspired by Herman Melville's novella, Billy Budd, Sailor, Beau Travail (1998) is french auteur Claire Denis' feature debut. As we explored the social tension of the north African 'guestworker' in post war Germany with Ali, I figured this pivot to Post-colonial Africa is not too much of a stretch to support continuity in theme (at least socio-politically).

Beau Travail consistently ranks in the top 100 movies of all time: (Variety [69] Sight and Sound [12] Village Voice [1st of the 2000's] Chicago Reader ['Masterpiece']) though remains relatively unknown to the general audience.

James Hoberman from the Village Voice wrote of the film: "so tactile in its cinematography, inventive in its camera placement, and sensuous in its editing that the purposefully oblique and languid narrative is all but eclipsed."

So yeah, those who like tight, explicit, on the nose narrative and plot arcs, this film may ask you to broaden your frame a little (or just sit this one out). Though it is worth it to the very end ; )

Please come to this discussion group having watched this film. I may offer some discussion prompts before the event. If others want to add to the discussion thread feel free to do so.

Since folks are spread throughout the valley, we will make this event at Protocol in Amherst. They have a more than decent wine list by the glass, other snacks if we want to indulge, and I am able to make a reservation.

RSVP required (capped at 8)