Historical / Musical / Dance
Italy / France / Algeria,
1983, 109 min
Directed by:
Ettore ScolaCinematography:
Ricardo AronovichComposer:
Vladimir CosmaCast:
Jean-François Perrier, Marc Berman, Monica Scattini, Jean-Claude Penchenat, Régis Bouquet, Francesco De Rosa, Rossana Di LorenzoPlots(1)
A unique look at the history of 20th century France as illustrated in popular culture, Le Bal is set in a Parisian dance hall and features no narrative, no dialogue, and no continuous characters. The film moves from one dance number to the next, as the music reflects the political and cultural tenor of the times, from the Popular Front of 1936 to the German Occupation of World War II, on to the breezy openness of the post-war era and the open rebellion and turmoil of May 1968, and finally closing in the early 1980s. A troupe of dancers portrays all the film's characters, with make-up and costume changes (as well as appropriate period music) indicating the different time periods. (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Awards
- Winner
- Nominations
Academy Awards
- 1984 - Ettore Scola (Best Foreign Language Film)
César Awards
- 1984 - Best Film
- 1984 - Ettore Scola (Best Director)
- 1984 - Vladimir Cosma (Best Original Music)
- 1984 - Ricardo Aronovich (Best Cinematography)
Berlinale (Berlin International Film Festival)
- 1984 - Ettore Scola (Silver Bear for Best Director)
- 1984 - Ettore Scola (Golden Bear for Best Film)