Watch La vie de Jesus

La vie de Jesus is a 1997 French film directed by Bruno Dumont. The film follows the story of a group of young people living in the northern French town of Bailleul. The protagonist is a young man named Freddy, played by David Douche. Freddy is a teenager that suffers from bouts of epilepsy. He lives with his mother and has a close relationship with his girlfriend, Marie. They spend their time hanging out with their friends in the local bars and clubs, listening to music, and riding mopeds. Freddy's life is filled with small pleasures, but he also feels an intense sense of boredom with his life.

As the film progresses, we see Freddy and Marie's relationship begin to unravel. Freddy becomes increasingly violent and aggressive towards Marie, and she begins to distance herself from him. Freddy's behavior spirals out of control, leading to a tragic event that changes the course of his life forever.

One of the most striking aspects of La vie de Jesus is its realism. The film portrays the lives of its characters with a raw, unflinching honesty. The dialogue is sparse and often mumbled, making the film feel almost like a documentary. The actors, many of whom were non-professionals, deliver naturalistic performances that feel incredibly authentic.

The film's setting is also crucial to its impact. Bailleul is a small town in northern France, far away from the glamour and excitement of Paris. The town is depicted as a bleak, desolate place, with boarded-up shops and empty streets. The film's muted color palette emphasizes the town's drabness, contrasting sharply with the vibrant colors of Freddy and Marie's mopeds.

La vie de Jesus is a film that deals with themes of alienation, violence, and the struggle for identity. Freddy is a young man who feels disconnected from the world around him. He struggles to find meaning in his life and often lashes out in frustration. The film presents a bleak picture of the world, where violence seems to be lurking just beneath the surface.

However, the film is not entirely without hope. There are moments of tenderness and warmth between Freddy and Marie, and even in the film's most violent moments, there is a sense of humanity and compassion. The film's ending, while ambiguous, offers a glimmer of possibility for redemption and growth.

Overall, La vie de Jesus is an impressive debut film from Bruno Dumont. It is a challenging, thought-provoking work that eschews traditional storytelling conventions in favor of an unflinching portrayal of everyday life. The film's attention to detail and its commitment to realism make it a must-see for fans of European arthouse cinema.