7 The sinking of the self
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Laurent Jullier
Abstract
Le Grand bleu is one of the postmodern narratives which is incoherent in its coherence. Le Grand bleu is a self-service where meaning is concerned; everyone takes from it what they want. This chapter presents three approaches to explain the infatuation of millions of cinemagoers and videotape buyers as a result of Le Grand bleu's success. First, the film can be located in what Alois Riegel calls the Kunstwollen of the social and historical context. It is successful because it is the first to encapsulate artistic forms corresponding to the times. Second, the film crystallises socio-cultural specificities, engendering a mirror-effect where some of the more publicly visible social groups can see themselves nar-cissistically. Third, there is another mirror-effect, but outside of the realm of history: the film explores an unusual aspect of human psychology.
Abstract
Le Grand bleu is one of the postmodern narratives which is incoherent in its coherence. Le Grand bleu is a self-service where meaning is concerned; everyone takes from it what they want. This chapter presents three approaches to explain the infatuation of millions of cinemagoers and videotape buyers as a result of Le Grand bleu's success. First, the film can be located in what Alois Riegel calls the Kunstwollen of the social and historical context. It is successful because it is the first to encapsulate artistic forms corresponding to the times. Second, the film crystallises socio-cultural specificities, engendering a mirror-effect where some of the more publicly visible social groups can see themselves nar-cissistically. Third, there is another mirror-effect, but outside of the realm of history: the film explores an unusual aspect of human psychology.
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- List of tables and figures vii
- List of contributors viii
- Preface x
- Introduction 1
- 1 Three French neo-baroque directors 11
- 2 Du côté d’Europa, via Asia 23
- 3 Musical narration in the films of Luc Besson 43
- 4 Hearing Besson 57
- 5 Of suits and men in the films of Luc Besson 75
- 6 From rags to riches 91
- 7 The sinking of the self 109
- 8 Imprisoned freedoms 121
- 9 Nikita 135
- 10 Léon and the cloacal labyrinth 147
- 11 Jeanne d’Arc 161
- 12 An unpublished interview with Luc Besson 175
- Filmography 179
- Select bibliography 189
- Index of proper names and film titles 193
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- List of tables and figures vii
- List of contributors viii
- Preface x
- Introduction 1
- 1 Three French neo-baroque directors 11
- 2 Du côté d’Europa, via Asia 23
- 3 Musical narration in the films of Luc Besson 43
- 4 Hearing Besson 57
- 5 Of suits and men in the films of Luc Besson 75
- 6 From rags to riches 91
- 7 The sinking of the self 109
- 8 Imprisoned freedoms 121
- 9 Nikita 135
- 10 Léon and the cloacal labyrinth 147
- 11 Jeanne d’Arc 161
- 12 An unpublished interview with Luc Besson 175
- Filmography 179
- Select bibliography 189
- Index of proper names and film titles 193
