Is 1940: Taking over French Cinema Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2019)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2019, 1940: Taking over French Cinema represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Documentary, History, TV Movie category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Paris, 1940. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary, History, TV Movie are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Paris, 1940. German occupation forces create a new film production company, Continental, and put Alfred Greven – producer, cinephile, and opportunistic businessman – in charge. During the occupation, under Joseph Goebbels’s orders, Greven hires the best artists and technicians of French cinema to produce successful, highly entertaining films, which are also strategically devoid of propaganda. Simultaneously, he takes advantage of the confiscation of Jewish property to purchase film theaters, studios and laboratories, in order to control the whole production line. His goal: to create a European Hollywood. Among the thirty feature films thus produced under the auspices of Continental, several are, to this day, considered classics of French cinema."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Anchoring the narrative with a presence that is both commanding and subtle, Sarah-Jane Sauvegrain delivers a turn that is both technically flawless and emotionally resonant. This is Documentary acting at its most potent.

The direction by Pierre-Henri Gibert is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 55 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is 1940: Taking over French Cinema truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, History, TV Movie, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 9/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, 1940: Taking over French Cinema explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2019 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Pierre-Henri Gibert respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, 1940: Taking over French Cinema is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Sarah-Jane Sauvegrain or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, 1940: Taking over French Cinema is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.