Film: Etre Et Avoir
Release date: 8th June 2009
Certificate: U
Running time: 100 mins
Director: Nicholas Philibert
Starring: Georges Lopez, Guillaume, Alizé
Genre: Documentary
Studio: Artificial Eye
Format: DVD
Country: France
Translating into English as “To Be And To Have”, Être et Avoir is a beautifully simple title that encapsulates the simple essence of this film. The film reveals various layers throughout, but the focus on what is most important in life is always clear.
The documentary follows the daily efforts of Georges Lopez in teaching a class of children from the neighbouring villages in a rural, isolated part of France. It shows the how the children of a wide range of ages respond to Lopez’s lessons and how the children interact socially. Away from the classroom, we are given an insight into the way in which these children live, some having to shoulder the responsibility of caring for younger siblings in addition to providing manual labour on the farm.
As the film progresses, we see the role of Mr Lopez extend beyond just being a teacher into someone that offers personal support to the children and their families, especially as the older members of the class are preparing to leave primary school in the coming summer...
Right from the beginning, Philbert’s film is instantly captivating. It introduces us to a place of learning where the teacher, Georges Lopez, is responsible for educating several different age groups without even a teaching assistant to support him. However, the teacher does not dominate the film.
The film is shared between teacher and students, producing a fascinating tapestry of characters that light up the film. The younger children, in particular, are a delight to watch, such as the easily distracted Jo Jo, who provides many memorable moments. Though these individuals are just people behaving naturally, the filmmaker is able to translate their personalities into vivid, indelible character portraits. This is achieved by way of intimate camera work and a commitment to following them at all stages of the school day as well as at home. As a result, the personalities contained in the film make for absorbing viewing, compelling the audience to invest emotionally in the characters. This helps to forge a relationship between the subject portrayed and the viewer, who watches with great sympathy as their experiences unfold on screen. It is almost as though we are witnessing them growing before our very eyes in a fashion that does not feel contrived or forced in any way. To witness this on a film, and for it to be fun and amusing as well, is truly special indeed.
The film also captures a wealth of finer nuances embedded within each individual, reinforcing the engaging nature of the documentary in the process. In addition, through the selective editing of the vast amounts of footage amassed for the film, the director constructs mini-narrative tangents. At times, it is difficult to believe that the director has managed to accomplish this feat, as so much of the film’s most interesting sections seem to occur spontaneously. That the director is capable of constructing these elements and bring us so close to his subjects is testament to the skill and hard work that has gone into making it.
Besides seeing the characters’ daily routines, and the challenges they encounter at school, we also learn about the various personal problems the subjects face. Whether it is issues in socialising with classmates or difficulties at home, Être et Avoir is sympathetic when probing deeper into its subjects. The effect is an unexpectedly moving one.
Another unexpected strength of the film is in its representation of the surrounding environment, with the cinematography finely illustrating the aesthetic splendour of the local scenery. This, combined with the frequent cut-aways to the images of the agrarian surroundings, gradually create the impression on the audience that this is a film as much about rural part of France as it is about what actually transpires in this place. Beyond this impressive cinematography is an emphasis on the setting, and it can be ascertained by the culmination of the piece that it is in fact a meditation on the connection between people and the environment. It suggests how life will continue to grow and blossom in the same way that the plants, trees and fields are shown to do. Through this unique depiction of life, the documentary is able to bring a sense of calm and placid optimism to the viewer, despite the emotional conclusion of the narrative.
You are unlikely to see another documentary quite like this one - combining poetry and observation into a beguiling, heart-warming package. Sure to capture the heart of almost anyone who sees it. BN
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