FACES PLACES (2017)

3/1/18 - Faces Places (2027) 8+/10

What a lovable film. Affirming and enjoyable, in every aspect. Expressive and introspective, with art, life, and the crossroads at which their meanings meet. The pairing of Varda and JR is brilliantly rousing and enchanting, swooning us into an experiential fairyland of the past and present. It is a wonder and a privilege that this film works so well, is so amazing and that we get to see it.

Beautiful images and amazing people, bringing elated sighs and dusty embraces. Charming is too small of a word for the magical experience the quaint elder master and her hip enigmatic compatriot allow us to have. Somewhere between transportative and ethereal, all while being deeply rooted in every wrinkle line and brick blemish.

There is a playfulness that bends the stirner and darker story elements still into an imaginative jungle gym of union. It is an amalgamation of stunning imagery, deeply personal life-story snippets, and reverence for all that is captivating and resplendent that they encounter. Who both creators are and what they love bleeds through the celluloid into our very souls.

One might debate the “observer” essence of the film and where its documentarian definition ends and dramatic imposed conception begins. But even the stickler in me can’t poke at this angelic balloon too hard, for it is there to lift us all up.