Antoine 2008, 2011
Distributed by National Film Board of Canada, 1123 Broadway, Suite 307, New York, NY 10010; 800-542-2164
Produced by Laura Bari
Directed by Laura Bari
DVD, color, 119 min., in French with English subtitles
Sr. High-General Adult
Experimental Films, Documentaries, Disabilities
Date Entered: 08/03/2012
Reviewed by Gerald Notaro, University Librarian, Nelson Poynter Memorial Library, University of South Florida, St. PetersburgAntoine is the DVD version of the same titled theatrical documentary but it should be noted it is 52 minutes in length as compared to the original 83-minute duration. Since this is an experimentally styled film the edited length should alarm no one but the director. Antoine is a five-year-old boy who was born very prematurely and as a consequence is blind. Director, writer, and producer Laura Bari makes her feature film debut with Antoine. She has previously shot short children’s films for a Canadian television show. The film opens with Antoine describing how he was born blind and then off as boy detective to investigate the disappearance of a certain Madame Rouski. The docudrama blends sounds heard by Antoine and recorded by Bari with both of their very vivid imaginations. The result is a technique which is more process than satisfactory. Antoine was not surprisingly well received at film festivals but is ultimately more impressive for its creative attempt than artistic achievement. It has limited, but laudable, appeal.