There is nothing quite like a movie theater to find comfort, escape, and forget for a few hours the winter that is about to set in and the sheer madness of public transport. I particularly love autumn and winter for this: finding the calm, warm, and soothing atmosphere of Parisian movie theaters (the Capital has no shortage of them!).
I have a special interest in large theaters, where you can share a moment of escapism while feeling right at home. The autumn cinema season promises to be a studious one, featuring talented works that are not to be missed!
Mk2 News
- Truffaut Retrospective MK2 – Exhibition at the Cinémathèque française
Since October 22nd and until November 18th, the MK2 Bibliothèque is presenting a retrospective of films by François Truffaut, one of the greatest directors of the French New Wave, as part of the exhibition organized around the director by the Cinémathèque française, from October 8, 2014, to January 25, 2015.
On this occasion, The Last Metro (Le Dernier Métro) is returning to theaters in a restored version. This masterful work by Truffaut immerses us once again in the Paris of 1942, during the occupation. This film echoes Truffaut’s own childhood, for whom cinema and the metro had become refuges against the persecution suffered by the Jewish community.
- Carte Blanche to Maxime Chattam at the MK2
On Thursday, December 4th, join us at MK2 Bibliothèque for an exceptional evening celebrating the release of Primitive Conjuration.
The author Maxime Chattam will be present to interact with the audience about the connections between cinema and writing, and how his universe is influenced by the Seventh Art.
He will notably present The Shining, the cult film by Stanley Kubrick. A book signing session will be held from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM for the author’s biggest fans!
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White Bird
Gregg Araki delivers a stunning adaptation of the novella “White Bird in a Blizzard” by Laura Kasischke in this exceptional film!
Between melancholy and humor, Araki finds the right balance to make his feature film the ideal movie. Oscillating between the dark traits of Mysterious Skin and the offbeat comedy of Kaboom, Araki respects the plot of the novel with restraint while adding his own signature.
“Emotion,” a key word, an omnipresent feeling, like a reminiscence, which the director rediscovered in this novella: “I found a bit of Mysterious Skin in this book.” Both different from his previous works and unexpected (especially in its resolution), this drama is in line with Araki’s films; White Bird is instantaneous, reflecting the current state, what is happening in his head.
The feminist influence resurfaces, the subversive and the politically correct clash with impunity. As a result, all the elements are present to make the latest Gregg Araki a gem, to be seen, preferably on the big screen, to savor the aesthetics of the shots and the work on colors.
Added to this is a successful cast, where the trio is led by the incredible Eva Green (who, like the film, ventures into a new register) accompanied by Christopher Meloni, who plays a husband lovelorn and desperate for his wife’s condition, and the ravishing Shailene Woodley, a teenager in the midst of a revolution, confronted by the movements of life. Just go see it!
in theaters since October 15, 2014
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Papa was not a Rolling Stone
The second film I warmly recommend is titled Papa was not a Rolling Stone, by Sylvie Ohayon. An adaptation of her novel of the same title, this feature film marks the first steps of the French writer into the world of cinema.
A woman of letters and renowned advertiser, Sylvie Ohayon delivers a first retrospective feature film, grounded in a reality presented with sobriety, including both the good times and the life trials the director went through during her adolescence.
From her “very good” grade in high school to entering one of the most prestigious Parisian universities, the Sorbonne, we follow, not without emotion, the combative journey of 17-year-old Stéphanie to achieve her goals and make her dreams come true.
This film touched me with its sobriety, the accuracy of the main actors’ performances, and it reminded me of my memories as a literature student, the benches of the Sorbonne, and the decisive choices we are asked to make for our future just when we have barely left high school.
Papa was not a Rolling Stone is a beautiful anthem to success, to the desire to live and achieve one’s dreams, because ultimately, they are what allow us to set goals and overcome life’s trials.
in theaters since October 8, 2014
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Before I Go to Sleep
In the thriller category, Before I Go to Sleep is a success, which is not without reminding one of Hitchcockian suspense.
Two duos clash around the character of Christine, played by Nicole Kidman. Colin Firth portrays the character of Ben, dark and intriguing, Christine’s husband. Alongside Dr. Nasch, a psychiatrist intrigued by her case with whom she maintains an ambivalent relationship, she will do everything to lift the veil on her past and regain control of her memory.
The suspense is omnipresent, the plot is well-paced, you are never bored for a moment. Like Sherlock, we get into the intrigue quickly and try, ourselves, to solve this investigation! For my part: this case is closed!
in theaters since September 24, 2014
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Gone Girl
In the same vein, but in a more intense tone, Gone Girl is currently a great success in theaters. Between dark humor and thriller, David Fincher pushes immorality to its climax and forces us into our final strongholds.
This film disturbed me in its immorality although I liked the treatment of the investigation. Ben Affleck makes a remarkable comeback with a measured performance. Rosamund Pike portrays a Machiavellian woman who leads us from one surprise to another.
This adaptation of Gillian Flynn’s bestseller shakes up minds and lifts the veil on an apparently perfect couple. Once again, the theme of the American dream is called into question.
in theaters since October 8, 2014
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Mommy
Xavier Dolan was the youngest filmmaker in official competition at the Cannes Film Festival, where I was lucky enough to see the film a few months ago already. This marked me even more as I was also present inside the Palais des Festivals when he received the Jury Prize, and I still remember the emotion in the room following his moving speech.
The Quebecer returns here to one of his favorite themes: filiation. No need to know more about the theme; it’s a film that is felt more than it is told.
My personal pick of the festival; I was absolutely overwhelmed and moved to the highest degree by this film shot in 1:1 (square format, not rectangular), and I strongly advise you to go try the experience in a darkened theater.
in theaters since October 8, 2014
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Love at First Fight
If you haven’t seen Love at First Fight (Les Combattants), some small Parisian theaters that target auteur films are still showing it (Le Luxor, rue Magenta – l’Epée de bois, rue Mouffetard), and I more than warmly recommend you go see this film!
A love story, mixed with the quest for oneself when one is 17 years old. Love at First Fight features two personalities that apparently everything opposes and who will unite to survive, to know each other, and finally awaken to first loves. I was never bored during this film; the rhythm is just and well-balanced.
Between humor and drama, we laugh, we hold our breath at the same cadence as the characters.
The image of the Army is not caricatured, a good PR move for the Ministry of Defense, an institution highlighted in many aspects in this brilliant production.
in theaters since August 20, 2014
article written by Eugénie Faivre and Melle Bon Plan
