Agnes Varda
‘Sans toit ni loit’ (1985)
Sans toit ni loit
‘Sans toit ni loit’ which translates literally to without roof or rule. The idea of becoming a free spirit and having house but setting up home in numerous places. I really liked this idea and felt i could relate to it quite a lot, i thought this film was really well done, and heartfelt but not over-the-top and melodramatic. I also felt quite at home watching the film as am half french and although not bilingual, could understand most of it, which was better than just reading the subtitles as felt i was really involved in dialogue of film.
‘Les Glaneurs et La Glaneuse’ (2000) is another film of Vardas, which is filmed in a documentary film. Varda places herself within the film, narrating it with a calm voice. By doing this,the film seems stronger and more personal to her, and therefore makes a better watch as it is obvioulsy something close to her heart and she has put a lot of effort into it. Another aspect of the film that reveals it is also about Varda, herself as a Gleaner, is given away in the title which as i was speaking about earlier, may not of noticed had i not been half french. Les Gleaneurs et LA Gleaneuse, ‘la’ being feminine meaning the singular gleaner must be female.
The film focuses on the age gap between generations that no longer understand gleaning. There is a part near the the beginning of the film whereby elderly people are shown gleaning on the streets, playing over this is rap music . The dynamics between the two i think is really powerful and well put together.
(around the 3minute mark)
Both films have underlying themes of FEMININITY and AGE.
Sans toit ni loit follows a young girl, who becomes homeless and relies more and more on the generosity of other people. I felt, that in a sense, it is potraying the crossover from girl – teenage – woman and the feelings that may come with it. For example the idea of loneliness and solidarity, but also the idea of wanting to rebel and be independant. In Les Glaneurs et La Glaneuse where Varda at some points focuses of her age and the idea of getting old, for example comparing herself to decaying vegetables, but then at other points the films have a child-like, silly sense of humour.
