Movie spotlight
Comment se faire réformer
Two friends, Philippe and Jeannot, are drafted the same day and assigned to the same place. They have no taste for military life and during the conscription visit they try all they can to be declared unfit for service. They fail and land in barrack room 13, where a bunch of other "rebels" is gathered together, under the approximate control of a stupid warrant officer and a depressing captain.They all still have hopes of returning home soon.Besides Philippe and Jeannot, this motley crew consists of a rich allegedly kleptomaniac snob, a phony queen, an orthodox Jew, a yogi, a hippie, a Belgian, a hermetic poet, an Arab, and that's not the half of it...
Insights
Plot Summary
A man grapples with his impending conscription into the French army, exploring themes of alienation, existential dread, and the search for meaning in a seemingly absurd world. He navigates his relationships and confronts his fears as he faces this imposed duty. The film delves into his internal struggles and his attempts to reconcile his individual desires with societal expectations.
Critical Reception
Philippe Garrel's "Comment se faire réformer" is a contemplative and often melancholic exploration of youth and societal pressures. While not widely distributed, it is recognized within certain circles for its raw, personal style and its unflinching look at the anxieties of its generation. Critics often note Garrel's signature minimalist aesthetic and his ability to evoke deep emotional states with sparse dialogue and deliberate pacing.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its introspective and atmospheric portrayal of youthful angst.
Noted for Philippe Garrel's distinctive, non-traditional filmmaking approach.
Seen as a challenging but rewarding film for those who appreciate existential cinema.
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Fun Fact
The film features a brief appearance by the acclaimed director Agnès Varda, adding a layer of intergenerational artistic dialogue.
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