"Investigating the Hues of History": An Enigmatic Relative Hunt through the Heart of Paris - "Unraveling the Hues of Time": A puzzled family ventures through the cityscape of Paris in search of answers
In the heart of Paris and the picturesque Normandy countryside, the French movie "Colors of Time" (Die Farben der Zeit) unfolds a captivating narrative that weaves together the past and present. The film, originally titled "La Venue de l'avenir," offers a unique exploration of Impressionism and everyday life during the time this art movement was emerging in Paris.
Set in 1895, the story follows Adèle, a character who embarks on a journey to find her mother. Along the way, she meets two young men, Anatole and Lucien, and together they navigate through the lively bohemian world of Montmartre, where they encounter historical figures like Sarah Bernhardt, Victor Hugo, and Claude Monet.
The film's historical context is centred on the rise of Impressionism in 19th-century Paris. It portrays the era vividly through scenes of 19th-century rural and city life, including minor but authentic details like the Eiffel Tower and the first electrified road. The plot explores the beauty in simple moments such as a sunrise or a garden view, demonstrating how these ordinary experiences were captured and celebrated by the Impressionist artists.
A key element of the plot is a transformative scene that bridges the past with the present, illustrating how the art and spirit of Impressionism influence and change the lives of the modern characters. This symbolises them as radiating like Impressionist paintings, offering a reflective and inspiring look at Impressionism’s origins and everyday life in that historical period.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Adèle's father is one of the most famous impressionists of his time. The four cousins, a quirky beekeeper, an exhausted engineer, a teacher on the verge of retirement, and an ambitious web producer, are central to the story and are connected to a forgotten family history. The film intertwines past and present events, creating a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
Director Cédric Klapisch stages the film with warmth, light melancholy, and occasional absurd humour, such as a séance that transports the group directly into an impressionist exhibition of the 19th century in a hallucinatory way. Anatole dreams of painting, and Lucien is an aspiring photographer, adding an artistic dimension to the characters' experiences.
"Colors of Time" lives up to its name with its impressionist-like capture of the past, offering a genuine feel-good experience. The film features atmospheric Paris images, strong actors, and a touching story about the power of family bonds. Despite somewhat softening the historical reality and social hardships, especially for women, the film offers a compelling and enjoyable journey through time.
- Adapting to their home-and-garden in the picturesque Normandy countryside, the characters embody the simplicity and beauty of Impressionist art, mirroring the lifestyle of the artists they admire.
- As avid enthusiasts of movies-and-tv, the group visits the immersive impressionist exhibition, their experience akin to stepping into a time machine, transporting them back to the vibrant era of 19th-century Paris.
- In the heart of Paris, the Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment, aiming to preserve the city's historic charm and 19th-century architecture, as seen in the film "Colors of Time."
