La Commune
Peter Watkins, in his ambitious epic,La Commune, tells the riveting story of the French revolutionary, proletarian group established by Parisian citizens in 1871, as rebellion against the National Assembly lead by Adolphe Thiers during the Franco-Prussian War. In his inimitable style, Watkins builds a meta-narrative around a journalist whose propaganda is destroyed by Communard broadcasts, as they document abject poverty and chaos throughout their beloved city. Over 200 non-actors were recruited to play Parisian revolutionaries, as the camera follows them for interviews, showing how they have organized a small military, food banks, housing, and makeshift offices. Watkins gives viewers tours of the sets, to remind us of how our present reality mirrors what was happening historically, and to formally challenge standard-format documentary filmmaking. As journalism's aim, often, is to present facts objectively,La Communecaptures the essence of the Communards' rage, while showing the nuances of the conflict from both sides, as a way to more personally present the story. Nearing six hours in length, the film is excruciatingly detailed, leaving one with what feels like a complete picture. A bonus documentary, "The Universal Clock," educates about Watkins' directing style and about the making ofLa Commune. Mustering up the patience to watch this feature will result in an education about revolutionary thought, from the angles of both the Parisians and Peter Watkins himself.--Trinie Dalton