Is Rise and Fall of a Small Film Company Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1986)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of TV Movie, Drama cinema, the 1986 release of Rise and Fall of a Small Film Company stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Director Gaspard Bazin is working on a new feature film. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of TV Movie, Drama 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: "Director Gaspard Bazin is working on a new feature film. For now, he's still looking at the fundraising and casting stage of the process. He calls upon Jean Almereyda, a once-fashionable producer who is now going through a bad patch, finding it increasingly difficult to raise the capital he needs for his ventures. His wife Eurydice dreams of being a movie star. A perverse game between the two men ensues, with Almereyda wanting to please his wife, but reluctant to demand a role for Eurydice because of Bazin's reputation as an incorrigible seducer."

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. In Rise and Fall of a Small Film Company, we see Jean-Pierre Mocky utilizing their established screen presence to carry the story forward. It is a solid, workmanlike performance that serves the director's vision without overshadowing the larger narrative goals.

The direction by Jean-Luc Godard 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 92 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 Rise and Fall of a Small Film Company 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 TV Movie, Drama, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6.2/10 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, Rise and Fall of a Small Film Company explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1986 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Jean-Luc Godard 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, Rise and Fall of a Small Film Company serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Jean-Pierre Mocky or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Rise and Fall of a Small Film Company is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.