Langlois (1970)

"Langlois" (1970) is a riveting documentary that delves into the life and legacy of French film historian, Henri Langlois. Born in Turkey in 1914, Langlois was the mastermind behind the creation of the French Cinemathèque. The film takes the audience on a mesmerizing journey around Paris, revisiting the Cinemathèque's former locations and serving as a vivid testament to Langlois' unmatched passion for cinema. This documentary reveals how Langlois, armed with only ten films in 1936, single-handedly built a cinematic empire that housed an astonishing 60,000 films by the early '70s. Amid these triumphs, the film also explores the tumultuous times following 1968 when French Minister of Culture, André Malraux, attempted to unseat Langlois from his own creation, sparking nationwide protests in his support. Intertwined with this narrative, testimonies from cinematic giants such as Jeanne Moreau, Kenneth Anger, Viva, Catherine Deneuve, and notably Simone Signoret, illuminate the impact of Langlois' work. Signoret recounts the daring tale of how Langlois, in the face of mortal danger, organized screenings of Russian films during the Nazi occupation in 1941. "Langlois" stands as a testament to the man who risked everything for his love of cinema, leading to the birth of film addiction. Through the lens of this documentary, we witness the courage, passion, and resilience of a man who shaped the landscape of French cinema, making it an intriguing watch for all movie buffs.

Langlois is a documentary movie featuring Henri Langlois and directed by Roberto Guerra.

Langlois is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.