In the White City
In the White City

Movie spotlight

In the White City

1983
Movie
109 min
French

Fed up with the sea, Paul, a Swiss mechanic working in the noisy bowels of a merchant ship, lands in Lisbon.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Alain TannerGenres: Drama, Mystery

Plot Summary

A disillusioned ship's captain, John Malcolm, abandons his vessel in Lisbon and attempts to disappear into the city. He becomes entangled with Ana, a barmaid, and then seeks out a mysterious man named Jouvence, who seems to be living a life of luxury and apparent freedom. Malcolm tries to emulate Jouvence's lifestyle, adopting his identity and engaging in increasingly erratic behavior. The film explores themes of alienation, identity, and the search for meaning in a modern, fragmented world.

Critical Reception

Alain Tanner's 'In the White City' received a mixed to positive reception upon its release. Critics often praised its atmospheric portrayal of Lisbon and Bruno Ganz's compelling performance as the lost protagonist. However, some found the narrative deliberately obscure and the themes somewhat elusive, leading to a polarized critical response.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its atmospheric depiction of Lisbon.

  • Bruno Ganz delivers a strong, nuanced performance.

  • The film's narrative can be opaque and challenging for some viewers.

Google audience: Audience reviews for 'In the White City' are scarce, but when available, they often highlight the film's moody atmosphere and philosophical undertones. Some viewers appreciate its artistic approach and character study, while others find its pacing and ambiguity off-putting.

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location in Lisbon, Portugal, capturing the city's unique atmosphere and architectural style during the 1980s.

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