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question

"La Vie Est Un Long Fleuve Tranquille" - anyone else think the framing is subtly brilliant?

Okay, so I just re-watched "Life Is a Long Quiet River" (La Vie Est Un Long Fleuve Tranquille - way more elegant, right?). Seriously, this movie is still SO relevant, even though it's from '88. I'm obsessed with social commentary flicks, and this one is just... chefs kiss! But I wanted to talk about something specific: the way the director (who I'm embarrassed to admit I can't remember the name of right now - will look it up!) frames the scenes, particularly when contrasting the Groseille and Le Quesnoy families. The Groseilles, with their chaotic, cramped apartment, are almost always shown in tight shots, lots of clutter, and a sense of being visually overwhelmed. Compare that to the Le Quesnoy’s pristine, symmetrical house and their more open, wide shots. It's not just set design; it's how we see them, you know? Porticularly, there is a scene where the two families meet and both of them are in the same frame - but the separation is SO clear, right? It isn't just about clothes and attitudes. Did anyone else pick up on how the cinematography reinforces the class divide, even down to the way they're positioned and lit within the frame? Am I just overthinking this whole thing? Let me know your thoughts!

cinephile_sarah
about 2 months ago
4 comments
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