Montparnasse Michaël Hers

One night. An area in Paris. Three sequences for three stories. This simple concept is deserving of the topic of Montparnasse: the subtleties of communication between human beings. Each time the action is based on conversations between two or three protagonists. We discover step by step the context of each situation: whether it be difficulties in finding one’s right place in society, continuing to live after the death of a loved one, or expressing very personal feelings. The dialogues are simple but effective, and the situations, filmed often in long shots, seem common but then start to be interesting thanks to the depth of the characters. They are in some cases not the kind often shown on screen: particularly the young musician, shy and not so cute.

Montparnasse is just a setting, a pretext for the story, which is a bit of a pity. Mikhaël Hers could have better exploited the atmosphere of this Parisian neighbourhood, aside from shooting images of the famous tower. Beyond this disappointment though, the film is successful in creating a strong sense of intimacy with the audience. And finally, It’s all right, suggests one of the songs in the film. Yes, it’s all right, we think as we return to daylight at the end.

Joanna Gallardo