The Science of Michel Gondry
MOVIES
THE SCIENCE OF SLEEP
My personal favorite work by Michel Gondry. The film follows Stéphane Miroux, played by Gael García Bernal, a shy and creative young man who moves to Paris to live with his mother. There, he falls in love with his neighbor Stéphanie, played by Charlotte Gainsbourg, an equally creative artist. Stéphane's vivid dreams often blend with reality, creating a tangled narrative of dream and reality. Gondry's approach of merging dream sequences with reality results in a confusing but fascinating cinematic experience. A delightful and bewildering masterpiece.
ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND
The film tells the story of Joel and Clementine. Joel Barish, heartbroken after his girlfriend undergoes a procedure to erase him from her memory, decides to do the same. But as he watches his memories of her fade, he realizes he still loves her. Through innovative storytelling techniques and captivating performances by Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, the film explores the depths of the human psyche and the complexity of love and memory. ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND brilliantly weaves science fiction elements with a profound love story. The film was praised by critics and audiences alike and won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.
MUSIC VIDEOS
THE WHITE STRIPES - FELL IN LOVE WITH A GIRL
What more could you want? Great music paired with a stop-motion animated video using Lego bricks. Today, this video could be made much more easily and efficiently. But in 2001, it set new standards, and its analog look works even better in 2024 than it did in 2001. Two other fantastic videos by Michel Gondry for The White Stripes - The Hardest Button To Button and Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground.
DAFT PUNK - AROUND THE WORLD
A choreography just the way I like it. A legendary video for an equally legendary band. When two creative French artists of this caliber collaborate, it can only result in an epic masterpiece.
THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS - STAR GUITAR
A subtle masterpiece that indulges both your visual and musical senses. Another must-watch video by Michel Gondry for The Chemical Brothers - Let Forever Be.
EPILOGUE
For those who want to see more of Michel Gondry – and there's plenty more to explore – the official Partizan playlist includes almost all of Michel Gondry's works. As you can see in the videos of Olivier Gondry, his son is following in his father's footsteps. I hope I've convinced you that Michel Gondry is one of the most versatile and creative directors. I will definitely vote for THE SCIENCE OF SLEEP and hope to see it again in the cinema with you in Zurich.
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