In our modern society revolutions have become rare. And the times that followed may 1968 were indeed a revolution, albeit in Europe a relatively soft one. In the years 1968-1975 I passed the adolescence, and consequently the era has left a lasting impression on me. Much later I realized that the turmoil of the New Left had already started in the preceding decade, notably in the USA. First there was the civil rights movement, against the segregation. And then there was the resistance against the horrific and pointless Vietnamese war. It launched a counter culture, of hippies and flower power, and new methods of social interaction. The Asean and African nationalist movements enjoyed their newly gained freedom, and in Latin America the dictatorships tumbled. In retrospect many of the new ideas may not have been viable, and often even decadent. But still, for me it is impossible to give an objective judgment of the film Tout va bien. This is especially so, since at the time I have missed the film and therefore the belated acquaintance was making up arrears. To me the film is inspiring, because it uses a truly alternative technique in the narrative. And because it is a reflection on the contemporary thoughts and developments. The technique uses mainly monologues, in which the main characters explain their feelings and thoughts just as if they are interviewed. It starts as a "Lui et elle" film. The French film producer Jacques (Yves Montand) and the American radio reporter Susan (Jane Fonda) have an affair. It is 1972, and they ponder over the events in their careers, notably after may 1968. Jacques makes advertisement clips, but feels unhappy about it. He accompanies Susan to an interview with the manager of the Salumi meat factory. However, just before they enter the building a wild strike is initiated, the offices are occupied by the blue collar workers, and the manager is taken hostage (for some reason, even in our days this can still go unpunished in France). The official of the communist union CGT is furious, and complains about the inadequacy of their actions. The manager uses abusive language, but is also phlegmatic, and defends the conservative entrepreneurial views. We also hear the opinions and feelings of some of the workers. Jacques and Susan are locked up together with the manager, for more than a day. Subsequently we witness several student uproars and riots, which are dispersed by the police. A real story line is absent, and therefore the film can simply end just like he began. In conclusion, the film is a surprising experience. I guess the best way of digesting it would be to analyze all those the monologues, and empathize with them. And I guess that the CGT official is right. Other illustrious films about those days are "Strawberry statement", "Fritz the Cat" (animation) and possibly the most outstanding of all: "Hair". If you like social films, you may find my other reviews interesting.
Review of All's Well
