University of Puget Sound’s French Film Series opened with its first film, Les Quatre Cents Coup, on Sept. 24. The following two films in the series, Á Bout de Souffle and Cléo de 5 á 7 will be shown on Oct. 15 and Nov. 19, respectively.
The French Film Series is an event hosted by the newly established University of Puget Sound French Studies department.
“This is the first semester we actually are a department of French Studies. We haven’t had [the series] in a couple years,” Arnaud Perret, French Studies professor and French Film Series coordinator, said.
The films that are being shown all belong to the French New Wave film movement. The French New Wave is defined as a period of films produced and released during the 1950s and 60s.
“The French New Wave is so important for contemporary movies. They’ve really set a lot of the foundation for independent cinema nowadays,” Perret said.
The film screened on Sept. 24, Les Quatre Cents Coup, or “The 400 Blows,” tells the story of a young French boy named Antoine who faces many stereotypically adolescent obstacles including trouble with his parents, his teacher and his peers.
The film is devoid of a clear resolution, a characteristic of French New Wave cinema. Like many other films within the movement, Les Quatre Cents Coup is funny, heartfelt and tinged with irony.
“All these films are really entertaining as well. They’re not only art movies, but they are also very fun to watch,” Perret said.
While students not in the French Studies department may be dissuaded from attending, anyone interested in film should definitely consider taking part.
“Students who take French classes are our primary audience, but it was definitely our hope that students interested in films will join. These films are so important for film history and the film of cinema studies as well. That’s one of the reasons we had the subtitles in English and also why the discussion was led in English afterward. In order to relate to all students, even those who don’t speak French,” Perret said.
The film series has drawn quite an audience, including speakers and non-speakers alike.
“I wanted to go because I’m trying to find different ways of improving my French. I don’t think there’s a better way of doing that than cultural experiences, like seeing a film,” French student and senior Edward Jones said.
The discussions that are held following the films are draws for many students.
“I’ve already seen Á Bout de Souffle. I love Godard. I’m really excited to be able to talk about it with other Puget Sound students,” said first-year French student and sophomore Audrey Kaufman.
Another upcoming film in the series, Á Bout de Souffle, or “Breathless,” a film by Jean-Luc Godard, is a dramatic romance narrative that tells the story of a petty criminal forced to flee and seek refuge with his girlfriend. Cléo de 5 Á 7, or “Cleo from 5 to 7,” a film by Agnés Varda, tells the story of a young singer waiting on test results that will confirm whether or not she has cancer.
Both films will be shown in Commencement Hall room 272 at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 15 and Nov. 19 respectively. A reception and discussion led by Arnaud Perret will take place following both films. All students and faculty are welcome and encouraged to attend.