LAST SCREENING - RENDEZ-VOUS with FRENCH CINEMA
The Cinema Empire, a slightly run-down repertory house in a provincial town offers daily screenings of Jean Renoir’s FRENCH CAN CAN to a small but loyal clientele. The cinema is presided over by its manager/projectionist, Sylvain (Pascal Servo), a high priest of the Seventh Art who lovingly handles each film reel and makes sure that every detail is just right [just like the Cosford's projectionist Michael]. Alas, the Empire is about to be sold by its owner, a secret Sylvain keeps from the customers who ask what will be showing in the coming weeks. But Sylvain, it turns out, is full of other, more sinister secrets, too. A clever weaving of cinephilia and contemporary horror, director Achard’s provocative updating of a classic genre tale examines the multiple ways that desire can be projected.
Directed by Laurent Achard. Unrated.
France, 2011, 81 minutes, French with English Subtitles.