Is L'État de bonheur... permanent Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1982)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Documentary cinema, the 1982 release of L'État de bonheur... permanent stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into "The State of happiness. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary 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: ""The State of happiness... permanent" presents itself as an extremely composed cine-photo-novel, based on the life of the filmmaker. It is, very exactly, images and sounds extracted from his personal story (curiously mixed with History itself). Not a plan that is not a piece of flesh, a piece of memory, a piece of life. Not a plan that does not fit into the raw experience of Maria Koleva. From this film, I want to highlight two very beautiful sequences: the one where she writes an essay with her cameraman on the back of a man sleeping in his bed, the one where she wonders, based on a photo where we see her as a little girl with her family during some party (in which his father seems to have played an important role), on the hat worn that day by his mother."

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. The presence of Maria Koleva provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Maria Koleva is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 237 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 L'État de bonheur... permanent 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, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 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, L'État de bonheur... permanent explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1982 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Maria Koleva 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, L'État de bonheur... permanent is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Maria Koleva or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, L'État de bonheur... permanent is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.