French Cinema Archives

'Happening,' released by IFC Films from director Audrey Diwan, could have just been an emotionally charged look back at what life was like for women when abortion was illegal. This 1960's-set drama stands poised to be not just be a look back at the past. It's also a terrifying look into what the future may hold in America if the Supreme Court strikes down Roe v. Wade. Louise Orry-Diquéro, Anamaria Vartolomei, and Luàna Bajrami in 'Happening' (IFC Films) Based on a True Story 'Happening' takes place in 1963-era France. Based on Annie Ernaux’s semi-autobiographical novel, Anamaria Vartolomei gives a César award-winning performance as Anne, a vibrant young Literature student. Her life becomes derailed after a one-night stand leads to pregnancy. Diwan divides the film up into...

Just when you think you've seen it all, along comes a film like "Titane." Julia Ducournau's 2016 debut "Raw" had people passing out at the Toronto International Film Festival at its premiere screening. "Titane" is, in my estimation, even more extreme and difficult viewing while harboring an emotionally charged second act that is surprisingly sweet. Agathe Rousselle devours the screen as Alexia, a woman who survived a terrible car accident as a child and now lives with a titanium plate in her skull. The incident has left her scarred in more ways than one, but she maintains an strong affinity for automobiles. She spends her evenings grinding away as a dancer at an autoshow as men ogle the new cars and the women on display. Mostly polite, these guys often ask for autographs at ...

Tag: French Cinema

‘Happening’ is a Searing Reminder of Life Before Roe v. Wade (Review)

Your Mileage May Vary With Audacious Palme d’Or Winner “Titane” (Review)