Oncle Bernard

Released in 2015, "Oncle Bernard: A Counter-Lesson in Economics" masterfully portrays the views, insights, and musings of the late economist Bernard Maris. Directed by Richard Brouillette, this enlightening documentary explores the contemporary economic system through the brilliant mind of Uncle Bernard, as Maris was affectionately known. Bernard Maris, a renowned economist, writer, and professor, was a central figure in French intellectual and economic life before his tragic assassination in the Charlie Hebdo shooting in January 2015. This film serves as an endearing and elucidating tribute to Maris who was not just a financial professional, but a significant public figure who had the rare ability to make complex economic theories accessible and engaging to the general public.

The documentary takes us on a captivating journey into Bernard Maris's unique philosophical perspective towards economics. Shot in a raw, intimate style, the film captures the candid interactions of Maris and French cartoonist Jean Cabut (known as Cabu), who was a close friend and also a victim of the Charlie Hebdo shooting. The film unfolds as a reflective conversation, providing a profound counter-lesson in economics that delves deep beyond numbers and charts, reaching into the essence of human life and societal systems.

One of the things that make "Oncle Bernard" so captivating is its unrehearsed, natural feel. Filmed in 2000, the discussions we witness between Maris and Cabu are not scripted or prearranged. They flow organically, tackling a wide variety of topics, driven by the passion Maris had for illuminating the complexities and contradictions of the modern economic system. Apart from economics, they also discuss art, war, politics, and the omnipresent power of money that permeates our society.

In 'Oncle Bernard,' Maris challenges the classical orthodoxies of free-market capitalism and neoliberal fiscal policy. He critiques the prevailing economic models, examining the societal impacts of macroeconomic ideas from an ethical and philosophical standpoint. Deviating from traditional economic narratives, Maris emphasizes that economies and markets should serve humanity, not the other way around. This humanist perspective pervades the film, providing a more nuanced, critical understanding of economics.

"A Counter-Lesson in Economics" is best described as a cinematic transmission of ideas, a direct dialogue with the audience. Maris's views on economic wisdom, eloquently expressed, ignite curiosity and inspire intense critical reflection. Varied in its subject matter, it will attract economics amateurs, scholars, and general viewers seeking refreshing perspectives on the conventional wisdom of economics. The charismatic personality of Bernard Maris only adds to the film's appeal, his intellectual curiosity contagious and immersive.

Brouillette's direction plays an integral part in the film's success. He avoids the structure of most documentaries that rely heavily on visuals or need extensive context-setting. The minimalistic setting, camera angle, and a lack of a musical score or voice-over commentary serve to keep the viewers' attention solely on the cogent discourse imparted by Maris. The monochrome visuals of the film complement the intellectual gravity of Maris's discourse and lend an appropriately somber tone to the documentary, considering the tragic fate which befell Maris and Cabu.

"Oncle Bernard: A Counter-Lesson in Economics" is a meditative journey, an intellectually stimulating dialogue that dissects the blend of economics, politics, and power. Its genius lies in its simplicity - in the candidness of Maris’s words and the nuanced ideas he imparts about the society we navigate. Just as Bernard Maris asserted in his economic teachings, this documentary reminds us of the humanity inherent to our economic systems, inspiring viewers to question, critique, and most importantly, to think. A tribute worthy of its brilliant protagonist, the film invites audiences to experience the dynamic world of economics through the profound wisdom of Oncle Bernard.