Le joli mai

Le joli mai refers to May 1962, and the end of the Algerian war of independence. With this film - the first of a series in which he turned his unique gaze on his home country of France - Chris Marker achieved a remarkable piece of cinema verité. Inspired by Jean Rouch's pioneer Chronicle of a Summer Marker filmed Parisians and their surroundings. He approached people on the street and asked them their opinions on life, happiness, money and love - and of course also recent French/Algerian history - in an artistic precursor to the now obligatory vox pop. Recorded by Marker at a later date, the spoken commentary lends the film an extra dimension without forcing an interpretation on the viewer or depriving the interviewees of their dignity. It's clear why the film is dedicated to "the happy many": it is a kind of meaningful sociological mosaic, formed by the opinions of Parisians from all walks of life.