Microcosmos: Le peuple de l'herbe (1996)

User Rating:

7.9/10   

Directors:

Claude Nuridsany
Marie Pérennou

Writers:

Claude Nuridsany (writer)
Marie Pérennou (writer)

Release Date:

9 October 1996 (USA)

Genre:

Documentary

Tagline:

It's Jurassic Park in your own back yard.

Plot:

A documentary of insect life in meadows and ponds, using incredible close-ups, slow motion, and time-lapse photography...

Plot Keywords:

Spider | Insect | Time Lapse Photography | Beetle | Snail

Awards:

7 wins & 4 nominations

Cast

Jacques Perrin	...	Récitant / Narrator (French version) (voice)
Kristin Scott Thomas	...	Narrator (English version) (voice)

Also Known As:

Microcosmos (Canada: English title) (USA)
Microcosmos - Il popolo dell'erba (Italy)

Runtime:

80 min | Japan:73 min

Country:

France | Switzerland | Italy

Language:

French

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Canada:F (Ontario) | Canada:G (Manitoba/Nova Scotia/Quebec) | UK:U | South Korea:All | Australia:G | Finland:S | France:U | Germany:o.Al. | Portugal:M/6 | Spain:T | USA:G

Filming Locations:

Monts et Lacs du Lévézou, Aveyron, France

Company:

Galatée Films

Movie Connections:

Referenced in The Quickie (2001)

Amazing detail of another world

This film gives an incredible account of insects and other little creatures many of which are known to home gardeners who are continually fighting a battle against them. But here we see the insect life in all its intriguing detail and wondrous colour. The photography is superb. It's a pity more attention was not given to the sound which comes and goes in an unpredictable fashion. There is very little commentary so one must just accept the beauty of each particular shot. One does not have to be a zoologist to enjoy this strange world the inhabiatnts of which outnumber humans on planet earth.

There is some sound e.g. the flutter of wings and the buzzing of bees but much of the film is silent as one might expect in a world of insects. Music accompanies some of the scenes adding a degree of drama. Two slimy snails are seen touching and fondling each other indicating unmistakably that foreplay has begun and sexual union will follow as the choral music climaxes. The photographers must have a rare patience to record such intimate and detailed incidents.

The film is not without its humorous moments. I thought the caterpillars marching in single file were an absolute gem and evoked genuine laughter. Fascinating too was Mr. Spider working at lightning speed as he wrapped in a shroud his most unfortunate victim.

I found it even more enjoyable on second viewing.