Être et avoir (2002)
Country: FR
Technical: col 105m
Director: Nicolas Philibert
Cast: Georges Lopez and children (doc.)
Synopsis:
A primary school in the Auvergne: as the seasons follow one another we observe the single 'instituteur' as he teaches children of all age groups together in one room, takes them on trips, talks to them about their difficulties, etc.
Review:
The key to success in a film of this kind is the extent to which the children are aware of the camera, and clearly Philibert had established such a rapport that by the time he began filming (at least the material he incorporated) he was practically part of the furniture. The teacher of this school, one of many threatened with closure across France due to shrinking numbers, is totally dedicated to his job and the kids and, though he may not be the most charismatic or enthusing of educators, far more importantly he is sensitive, firm and reasoned with them. An unhappy postscript was added to the film when it transpired that he was suing for a share in the £12 million-plus take since, he claimed, his teaching methods had been divulged to all and sundry. Surely he appreciated that from the outset?
Country: FR
Technical: col 105m
Director: Nicolas Philibert
Cast: Georges Lopez and children (doc.)
Synopsis:
A primary school in the Auvergne: as the seasons follow one another we observe the single 'instituteur' as he teaches children of all age groups together in one room, takes them on trips, talks to them about their difficulties, etc.
Review:
The key to success in a film of this kind is the extent to which the children are aware of the camera, and clearly Philibert had established such a rapport that by the time he began filming (at least the material he incorporated) he was practically part of the furniture. The teacher of this school, one of many threatened with closure across France due to shrinking numbers, is totally dedicated to his job and the kids and, though he may not be the most charismatic or enthusing of educators, far more importantly he is sensitive, firm and reasoned with them. An unhappy postscript was added to the film when it transpired that he was suing for a share in the £12 million-plus take since, he claimed, his teaching methods had been divulged to all and sundry. Surely he appreciated that from the outset?
Country: FR
Technical: col 105m
Director: Nicolas Philibert
Cast: Georges Lopez and children (doc.)
Synopsis:
A primary school in the Auvergne: as the seasons follow one another we observe the single 'instituteur' as he teaches children of all age groups together in one room, takes them on trips, talks to them about their difficulties, etc.
Review:
The key to success in a film of this kind is the extent to which the children are aware of the camera, and clearly Philibert had established such a rapport that by the time he began filming (at least the material he incorporated) he was practically part of the furniture. The teacher of this school, one of many threatened with closure across France due to shrinking numbers, is totally dedicated to his job and the kids and, though he may not be the most charismatic or enthusing of educators, far more importantly he is sensitive, firm and reasoned with them. An unhappy postscript was added to the film when it transpired that he was suing for a share in the £12 million-plus take since, he claimed, his teaching methods had been divulged to all and sundry. Surely he appreciated that from the outset?