Watch I Don't Belong Anywhere: The Cinema of Chantal Akerman

I Don't Belong Anywhere: The Cinema of Chantal Akerman is a documentary film that explores the life and work of Belgian filmmaker Chantal Akerman. Directed by Marianne Lambert and released in 2015, the film features interviews with Akerman herself, as well as other filmmakers and artists who knew her or were influenced by her, such as Gus Van Sant and Claire Denis.

Akerman, who was born in 1950 and passed away in 2015, was a prolific filmmaker who made over 40 films in her career. She is best known for her experimental and avant-garde work, which often explored themes of gender, identity, and the human experience. Some of her most famous films include Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (1975), News From Home (1977), and No Home Movie (2015).

The film begins with a discussion of Akerman's early life and how she began making films. Born to Polish-Jewish parents who survived the Holocaust, Akerman was raised in Brussels and began experimenting with filmmaking as a teenager. She made her first film at the age of 18 and went on to study film in New York City. It was there that she saw the work of avant-garde filmmakers such as Andy Warhol and Jonas Mekas, which influenced her own style.

The film then goes on to explore some of Akerman's most famous films in detail. For example, it examines Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles, which is a three-hour-long film that follows a single mother's monotonous daily routine. The film caused controversy when it was first released for its portrayal of a woman's life that was typically excluded from traditional cinema.

Throughout the film, we hear from Akerman herself about her ideas and inspirations. She talks about her interest in the everyday and her desire to make films about ordinary people and their lives. She also discusses her interest in feminism and her desire to create films that challenged traditional gender roles.

In addition to interviews with Akerman, the film also features interviews with other filmmakers and artists who knew her or were influenced by her work. For example, Gus Van Sant talks about how Akerman's films inspired him to try new things in his own films, such as using long, static shots. Claire Denis talks about the impact that Akerman's film Saute ma ville (1968) had on her, both professionally and personally.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the way it explores Akerman's relationship with her own work. She talks about how her films are like her children and how she struggles to let them go once they are finished. She also discusses her depression and the difficulty she had in finding a place in the film world. Despite being a groundbreaking and influential filmmaker, Akerman often felt like she didn't fit in with either the mainstream or the avant-garde.

Overall, I Don't Belong Anywhere: The Cinema of Chantal Akerman is a fascinating documentary about one of the most important and innovative filmmakers of the 20th century. It provides insight into Akerman's life and work, as well as the impact she had on other artists. Whether you are already a fan of Akerman's work or are completely new to it, this film is definitely worth watching.

I Don't Belong Anywhere: The Cinema of Chantal Akerman is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 7 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 70.