Va savoir is a film that could be skipped by someone living in New
York City, Chicago, or Los Angeles. We get only a handful of
French films each year in Upstate New York, and I try to see them
all. At 154 minutes, this movie does tend to run on. Still, the
legendary Jacques Rivette is known for his l*o*n*g running times;
he probably considers this 2 1/2 hour film to be a short.
I have noticed that the great majority of people who rated the film
are men. This surprises me, because there is nothing about Va
Savoir that would make it a traditionally "men's film." I would think
people of either gender would be pleased that all three female
leads are presented as capable women leading productive
lives--actor, dance teacher, graduate student. Rivette has chosen
three women who are fascinating to watch on the screen; this to
me was the strength of the film. I think the men fared less well--in
fact, it is hard to believe that three such competent and attractive
women would be drawn to men who appeared (at least to me) to
be far inferior to them. (One character--Arthur--probably has
anti-social personality disorder, is a compulsive gambler and has
incestuous feelings towards his sister. Other than that he's OK.)
My suggestion--don't go to this film expecting "Rules of the Game," but see it because it is French, it is directed by Jacques Rivette,
and it gives ample screen time to three excellent female actors.
York City, Chicago, or Los Angeles. We get only a handful of
French films each year in Upstate New York, and I try to see them
all. At 154 minutes, this movie does tend to run on. Still, the
legendary Jacques Rivette is known for his l*o*n*g running times;
he probably considers this 2 1/2 hour film to be a short.
I have noticed that the great majority of people who rated the film
are men. This surprises me, because there is nothing about Va
Savoir that would make it a traditionally "men's film." I would think
people of either gender would be pleased that all three female
leads are presented as capable women leading productive
lives--actor, dance teacher, graduate student. Rivette has chosen
three women who are fascinating to watch on the screen; this to
me was the strength of the film. I think the men fared less well--in
fact, it is hard to believe that three such competent and attractive
women would be drawn to men who appeared (at least to me) to
be far inferior to them. (One character--Arthur--probably has
anti-social personality disorder, is a compulsive gambler and has
incestuous feelings towards his sister. Other than that he's OK.)
My suggestion--don't go to this film expecting "Rules of the Game," but see it because it is French, it is directed by Jacques Rivette,
and it gives ample screen time to three excellent female actors.