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Viewing: Jean Virgo: Zero de Conduite 1933

Updated: May 21, 2023


Banned for up to 60 years around Europe, follows a group of unhappy schoolboys who are fed up with their repressive teachers at a state boarding school in Paris which is in a crisis. Based on the directors own experiences as a youth, the film presents childhood as a time of unrestricted imagination, a ‘sweet natured vision of sabotage’.


I found this a peculiar film that in some parts tested my patience as the story doesn’t necessarily appear finished and left me questioning even more. I feel like Jean Virgo’s film had strong use of characterisation and the characters felt relatable, however it's a shame that the film is not longer so that we can get to know the characters in even more detail and to create an even stronger climax.


One of the scenes I found most captivating is the scene of all the boys in their room with the beds lined up and they have a giant pillow fight. The use of chiaroscuro lighting against the white feathers highlights the light hearted nature of the scene of the boys against the eerie soundtrack which sounds like something wailing in pain.


However, overall I didn't really think it was neither funny or moving as some of the characters lacked personality however it's a film I feel everyone should experience this Jean Virgo film.







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