Tout Va Bien
Filed Under: Film, Reviews | Article Tags : DVD review
By: Denis Blot
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Tout va Bien, is the type of film that undoubtedly many Americans think of when they cringe at the phrase “Foreign Film”. The film has a loose narrative structure, lengthy Brechtian monologues, and moments of self-reflection on the filmmaking process. While these attributes are all typical of many of Godard’s films, Tout va bien (which was co-directed with Jean-Pierre Gorin) places emphasis on the political in regards to human relationships, societal structure, unions, the government, and capitalism, and in the process overshadows what little of a weak plot exists. That is not to imply that the film is without merit, as all of Godard’s films have something to offer to cinephiles, only that it begs to be studied as opposed to being enjoyed.
The film was made during Godard’s intensely political phase, during which he formed the Dziga Vertov group that included Gorin and others, in the goal of making revolutionary films. These films are not propaganda pieces meant to incite political riots, but are intended for the viewer to gain a greater appreciation for the political and societal aspects of the world they live in, by deconstructing them and portraying them from a multitude of different perspectives.
Tout va Bien begins with a humorous and ironic discussion on the costs of making a film (a series of checks are written out and signed) and the importance of having at least one or two stars in it to attract audiences, in the process demonstrating the capitalistic nature of filmmaking as well as part of the filmmaking process. The irony lies in the statement made regarding the need for celebrities, because without the famous names attached to this film (including Godard’s own), the film probably would have ended up being a low budget overly political piece confined to a few film festivals. Instead Tout va Bien received distribution and is considered the hallmark of Godard’s work during his time with the Dziga Vertov group.
While the film deals with some issues that are still politically and socially relevant today, its focus is on the changes (if any) that had occurred since the massive series of protests that took place in 1968, and questioning why those changes happened or not happened, and what new approaches (if any) had been taken towards politics, and society.
The DVD has some really good extras; the post-script film to Tout va Bien called A Letter to Jane, in which Godard and Gorin discuss several of the questions brought up in their film by analyzing the famous photo of Jane Fonda with the North Vietnamese (Hanoi Jane). Watching A Letter to Jane is like sitting through a long lecture, but at least it’s an interesting one. There is also an interview with Godard from 1972 and a recent one with Gorin, where the Dziga Vertov group is discussed. Several scholarly essays are also included for your reading pleasure, and are needed if you are new to Godard and find the film confusing.
Tout va Bien is perhaps best viewed as a time capsule, capturing the radical political ideals and need for change that enveloped the 1960s and early 1970s; we could certainly use some of that spirit today. I think the DVD is a must buy for true Godard fans, it’s a rental for those interested in film studies, and for everyone else I have to say borrow it!
Reviewer’s Opinion: BORROW IT!!
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