Spitball Army

6.6
[blu-ray]

Comparisons of this film to A PERSONAL JOURNEY WITH MARTIN SCORSESE THROUGH AMERICAN MOVIES are inevitable, and Tavernier’s – even though not stated in its title – is definitely more personal. Practically every filmmaker and film touched upon has a connection to Tavernier, either through collaboration, mentorship, or inspiration (he has a long memory). He doesn’t seem to want to impart a mere history lesson, and that accounts for what seem to be the numerous omissions. There is, however, an informed emphasis on Renoir, Melville, Carne, and Godard, and a very welcome ongoing discussion of the uses of music in French film (notably that of Joseph Kosma). The clips are many and of generous length, and the majority of the films mentioned are currently available in digital editions (primarily through the Criterion Collection).