Olivier Assayas

Something In The Air

Something In The Air is a wonderful depiction of high running emotions, both political and personal. As the embers of the iconic 1960s revolutionary movement continues to burn, a group of young Parisian students aim to have their ideals heard and cause havoc on school property and in the streets. Amongst the group are Gilles (Clément Métayer) and Christine (Lola Créton), whose blossoming relationship is at the forefront of broader historical picture Assayas p r e s e n t s . Gilles and Christine’s relationship has its bumps in the

As an amalgamation of two of his previous films - the serene beauty and charm of Summer Hours and the global political undercurrents of Carlos - direc-tor Olivier Assayas’ latest is a per-sonal, autobiographical account of adolescence and its relationship with revolutionary politics in 1970s France. On the one hand, tense, visceral, fraught with scenes of dangerous student protests,

Words ByJack Jones

‘Assayas subtly pulls apart the political ideals

of his youth with slight comic touches and ironic moments’

‘Assayas subtly pulls apart the political ideals

of his youth with slight comic touches and ironic moments’

road. Are they in love with each other, or the revolution? At time Gilles seems distant, questioning the political views of the group, and looks to pursue his talents as an artist. His broken heart has also never healed from his very first love and while Christine is somewhat devoted to him, the call of the movement is equally as strong. Assayas subtly pulls apart the

political ideals of his youth with slight comic touches and ironic moments. He’s clearly taken by the music and freedom of this period, but is aware that times have changed and politics have moved on. Though the soundtrack is varied with great pop selections of the period, key music choices from the likes of Syd Barrett are clear signposts of the people left behind in the

destructive drug haze of the period. As a result, Something In The Air acts as a photo album of the past, glowing with fond memories but aware of the responsibilities that came on the horizon of adulthood. This balancing act is marvellously executed by Assayas in what could have been an overly idealised portrait of his youth. Crucially he isn’t mystified or lost in the fog of

yearning for the days of his youth.Rather, this is a moving trip throughthe early dilemmas of love, friendship,ideals, and the propspect of growing up. Complimented by a young, inexperienced and beautiful cast, Assayas is able to capture an endearing sense of naivety and authentic emotional reflection of youth, as well as the joy of being young.