SpikeTheLobsterLa Belle Verte
June 12th 2009 20:22
One of those films that is somehow lost in the mists of time, this 1996 work of genius by Coline Serreau seriously deserves re-release. La Belle Verte tells the story of an alien who visits Earth. Sounds simple? Well, it's a lot, lot more than that.
Ahead of its time by a good ten years - at least - the film's main character is played by Coline Serreau herself. She is the visitor from a small planet where the ecology matters. Everyone is green (not literally) and there are no cars, no machines and no money. Just one big commune. She arrives in Paris to see how we humans - a terribly backward race - are doing and chaos ensues as she 'disconnects' a few people from their current reality.
There's plenty of humour (my favourite part being when the musicians get disconnected), but that's not where the power of the film lies. Its true message is in the way the visitor, Mila, simply doesn't understand why we do things like eat meat, use make-up and treat each other so badly.
The cast is also remarkably good: Serreau, of course, but also Vincent Lindon putting in a great performance, and even an early appearance by Marion Cotillard (who'll be alongside Johnny Depp in Public Enemies next month).
It's a film that's very easy to watch, but very hard to forget. The message stays with the viewer. It encourages revolt, pushes the film-goer to reconsider their life and their goals and can be incredibly inspiring - or depressing, depending on your mood. It will change you, even if you don't want it to.
Whatever else is said, it's a crime that this film has virtually disappeared. It's absolutely essential viewing for the modern human, whether they're eco-friendly or not. Learn French if you have to, but watch it. You won't regret it.
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