Francofonia

Francofonia is an artistically-driven reflection on not only the history and cultural value of the Louvre Museum, but also on the broader history of France. Released in 2015 and directed by Aleksandr Sokurov, the film predominantly features Louis-Do de Lencquesaing, Benjamin Utzerath, and Vincent Nemeth. The film takes the audience on a narrative journey melding elements of fiction, documentary, and essay to provide a passionate discourse on art, its place in our world, and its survival in times of war.

The film introduces Louis-Do de Lencquesaing as Jacques Jaujard, the director of the Louvre during World War II. Against the historical backdrop of Nazi-occupied Paris, Benjamin Utzerath plays Count Franz Wolff-Metternich, who was assigned by the Nazis to oversee France's art collections. The bulk of the narrative follows Jaujard and Wolff-Metternich through their unexpected alliance and shared commitment to protect the priceless art collection of the Louvre from Nazi requisition.

Francofonia goes beyond the linear exploration of art preservation during conflict, offering a complex blend of genres and styles which reflects the versatility and range of the art it discusses. Sections of the movie channel elements of a war drama, bringing historical figures and events to life, while other parts of the movie take a more documentary or academic approach, with director Sokurov himself offering explanations and reflections on the significance of the art housed at the Louvre and its relationship to French identity.

Sokurov's vision presents the Louvre as the symbolic heart of French culture, heritage, and history. The cinematic tools used in the film, including sweeping aerial shots of the museum and close-ups of various masterpieces, position the Louvre as more than just a building housing art, but a living, breathing entity that encapsulates the spirit and story of France itself.

As the film progresses, the relationship between Jaujard and Wolff-Metternich forms the muscle of the narrative. The delicate dance between occupational authority and French resistance, slavery and freedom, conflict and cooperation, all play out on the stage set within the museum's walls. This unconventional alliance between a French civil servant and a German officer underscores the universal value and fascination associated with art, even in the face of political animosity and war.

Nemeth, who plays Napoleon Bonaparte, adds another layer to the film, walking through the rooms of the Louvre, alongside other historical figures like Marianne, the personification of the French Republic. These appearances allow Sokurov to blur the lines of history and present, reminding viewers of the interconnectedness between art, history, and national identity. In addition, Sokurov integrates various pieces of iconic artwork into the storyline, highlighting how art speaks to and brings together different eras, ideologies, and people.

When viewed as a whole, Francofonia transcends the conventional storytelling methods of a film, breathing life into static works of art and transforming them into dynamic forces that shape and uphold cultural identities. Through artistic monologues, Sokurov also urges the audience to reflect on the danger of neglecting art's influential power and the disasters that could ensue from forgetting our shared human past.

Francofonia can be a challenging watch at times, given its dense subject matter and unconventional narrative style. The labyrinth of themes may seem overwhelming, but their interconnection becomes clear when viewed through the lens of Sokurov's skillful storytelling. The film blends the realms of fiction and reality, much like the art it explores, providing a unique cinematic experience that challenges the audience's understanding of the traditional boundaries between different genres and forms of art.

In conclusion, Francofonia is a compelling cinematic rumination on the relationship between art, history, and culture. It reminds viewers of the centrality of art in shaping national identities, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering universal connections. The film invites audiences to value and appreciate art, not only as decorative or aesthetic objects but as critical cultural legacies that give voice to our shared human experience. Francofonia is more than a film — it’s an exploration, a visual article, a philosophical question, and an homage to a museum that has survived through centuries, preserving the identity of a nation and humanity.