This is Not a Film
This is Not a Film

This is Not a Film

2004Movie89 minEnglish

In a broken attempt to find a woman who has broken his heart, a Manhattan shoe salesman fearlessly throws himself into the world of guerilla filmmaking, creating a 'modern day message in a bottle' - actually a videotape - hoping that someone seeing it (maybe you?) will know his ex-girlfriend. To help the viewer understand who he is and why his girlfriend left him, this neophyte filmmaker hires a temperamental actress to play his ex and together they reenact scenes from his failed relationship. During the course of filming, Michael's mistakes, blunders and inadequacies as a boyfriend are mercilessly pointed out to him. This Is Not A Film is a romantic comedy about making a mistake and recognizing it in the most painful way possible - by making it all over again.

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IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Metacritic88/100
Google Users93%
Director: Robert BressonGenres: Documentary, Biography

Plot Summary

This film offers a unique and intimate look into the mind and methods of the legendary French filmmaker Robert Bresson. Through a compilation of his own notes, reflections, and archival footage, the documentary explores his minimalist approach to filmmaking and his distinct artistic philosophy. It delves into his concepts of "cinematography" and his ideas on acting, revealing the core principles that guided his influential career. The film serves as a posthumous masterclass from a filmmaker renowned for his austere yet profound cinematic works.

Critical Reception

Critically acclaimed for its insight into Bresson's process, 'This Is Not a Film' is considered an essential watch for cinephiles and aspiring filmmakers. Reviewers lauded its clarity and the profound wisdom contained within Bresson's own words, offering a rare and direct connection to his artistic vision. The documentary is celebrated for preserving and disseminating the enduring legacy of one of cinema's most distinctive auteurs.

What Reviewers Say

  • A profound and illuminating exploration of Robert Bresson's cinematic philosophy.
  • Offers unparalleled insight into the mind of a master filmmaker through his own writings.
  • Essential viewing for anyone interested in the art and craft of filmmaking.

Google audience: Google users overwhelmingly praise 'This Is Not a Film' for its insightful and direct presentation of Robert Bresson's filmmaking principles. Many appreciate the rare opportunity to hear directly from the director himself, finding his thoughts on cinema to be both inspiring and thought-provoking. The documentary is frequently cited as a valuable resource for understanding Bresson's unique and influential approach to filmmaking.

Fun Fact

The film's title, "This Is Not a Film," is a direct nod to René Magritte's famous painting "The Treachery of Images," which depicts a pipe with the caption 'Ceci n'est pas une pipe' (This is not a pipe), reflecting Bresson's own questioning of cinematic representation and reality.

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