Back by popular demand – Cinéma français returns to the Franco-American Centre!

This semester, join the Franco-American Centre for a film study mini-course exploring the difficulty and inertia of French politics, from the king’s court in the XVII century to nowadays very similar “new princes” court.

Format:
Each class will begin with a brief bilingual overview, touching on the key concepts of the film and its relation to the semester theme.  The film will be followed by a short facilitated discussion.

Key Details:
DATES: Wednesdays, Oct 22, Nov 5 and Nov 19
TIMES: 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Dana Center Lecture Hall, Saint Anselm College
REGISTRATION: May be done at door of first class (cash or check, please)

INTRODUCTORY COST (for entire 3 film class!):
$15 – Non-FAC members / $10 – FAC Members
Free – Saint Anselm students in French classes

For more details, call the FAC office at 603-641-7114.

October 22
The French Minister (2013), which was originally titled “Quai d’Orsay”, directed by Bertrand Tavernier. It is the adaptation of a comic book Quai D’Orsay which relates the tribulation of Arthur Vlaminck a young man freshly graduated from E.N.A, the famous Graduated school that trains French officials. He starts a job at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where he is in charge of “language”, which means he is writing the Minister’s speeches. He experiences the difficulties of the inertia of technocrats, dirty tricks initiated through ambition and jealousy, in a word the discovery of a new world with its own rules and habits : the meanders of a prince court.

November 5
Ridicule (1996), by Patrice Leconte takes place in the King Louis the XVIth court in Versailles. A young, penniless Lord tries to get founding for a good cause: draining the swamps on his land. But life in court is not what he expected when he realizes that only wit and intrigues get you the attention of the king.

November 19
Haute Cuisine (2012), directed by Christian Vincent, which was originally titled “Les saveurs du palais” takes place in the Francois Mitterrand presidency as it is inspired by the life of his Perigord chef, Danièle Delpeuch. The traps and intrigues are an everyday juggle but it is a delightful voyage to authentic French cuisine as we see Catherine Frot set the fire through delicate and mouthwatering inspired recipes.