Being Renewed Day by Day

I do not pride myself in watching foreign films. In fact, I’m a bit ashamed to call myself a film lover while so many non-American movies pass miles below my radar. The foreign films that I have seen are often fixed in my mind because of the effort it takes to read the subtitles. Don’t get me wrong, I am fully supportive of subtitles. I’d much rather read subtitles than dubbed English or I’d be even more distracted by the mismatched mouths and concern for how the actors’ voices REALLY sound. There’s something to say about getting the full experience of a foreign film and that must include the sound of a language other than English. Sheesh, who prefers listening to English over French or Italian? There’s a reason they’re called the Romance languages – I fall in love with every man (and some women) who speak them!

So, now that you know my subtitle opinions… let’s get down to business. I came here to tell you about a little 2009 Oscar-winning film called The Class. It’s a French film that features – you guessed it! – the classroom; more specifically – a French class taught by the character François Marin played by François Bégaudeau. Be fairly warned: if you watch this film & don’t speak French, you MUST be prepared to pay attention to the words on the screen.

François is back for another year teaching at a multi-ethnic public middle school known for it’s tough atmosphere and struggling students. You watch as he challenges his students to succeed and think about issues such as race and language (hence my warning to keep up with subtitles). In an interview with director, Laurent Cantet, The Independent Film Channel asks, “The class in The Class is made up of many different cultures and language is such a key point in this film — is the ease of communication, whether it’s because of cultural assimilation or technological advances, actually making it easier for misunderstandings?”

He responds, “I’m not sure it’s a question of technology. I think it’s more a question of how we accept each other. Of course, a few decades ago, we wouldn’t have spoken to a teacher in the way [that François is by his students]. Street culture is getting a bit more space to exist and that of course creates more misunderstandings between generations, and between classes too.”

This problem of misunderstanding brings the film to its central drama as the students challenge their teacher on the very words coming out of his mouth. In a clear student versus teacher word war, watch as communication breaks down on multiple levels: generational, cultural, and between genders. I was mesmerized by the unexpected and seemingly small misunderstanding. One single word. Yet because it is dealt in a power-struggle context, it is blown out of proportion. The dialogue is the kicker. Take for example an exchange between two students and their teacher:

FRANÇOIS – What I’m seeing here, is that you can’t focus for more than 20 seconds, like 3-year-olds. People aged 13, 14 or 15 like
you’re supposed to be… If I ask a question, they should answer fast and then we waste no more time.
KHOUMBA – Your kidding around goes too far!
FRANÇOIS – Not at all, I don’t think I go too far.
KHOUMBA – Everyone thinks you go too far. Sorry but…
ESMERALDA – I think so too!
FRANÇOIS – Just a second, Khoumba. Everyone thinks so or only you think so?
ESMERALDA – No, everyone!
FRANÇOIS – Speak for yourself for once.

My Linguistics class at Covenant College made me more aware of and interested in the formations and meanings of words and language. What you say may have one meaning for you and another for your listener. The Class is about subtlety, characters, and culture.

Now for some linkage:
Full of info and my first place to look for movies – new and old – The Class @ IMDB.com

Chicago Tribune Piece on The Class
The New York Times Review of the film.
Official Site of The Class.
What have been some of your favorite foreign films? Let me know! I’ll add them to the “must see” list.

Highlighting Next Week:
I’m working on finishing entries started in 2009.
Tune in next week when I Gleek out! Won’t you join me as I geek out on the Premiere Season of Fox’s Musical Comedy, Glee? Dare I say GOLDEN GLOBE WINNER! Oh & speaking of music… American Idol is back on FOX! I’ll be sure to weigh in a few weeks down the line. Thanks for reading!