Watkins restages history in its own ruins, uses the media as a frame, and even so, manages to imbue his narrative with amazing presence. No less than the event it chronicles, La Commune is a triumph of spontaneous action.
100
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
It takes time to grow accustomed to the docu- drama's stylized approach, influenced by Bertolt Brecht and Jean-Luc Godard. But this nearly six-hour movie is generous with time.
90
VarietyEddie Cockrell
VarietyEddie Cockrell
Taped in stark black-and-white and clocking in 15 minutes shy of six hours, invigorating pic is big, passionate and brimming with compelling human details and broad sociopolitical idealism.
In these risk-averse times, it is a pleasure to see a film that fails by attempting too much. Frustrating and demanding as it may be, La Commune (Paris, 1871) is essential viewing for anyone interested in taking an exploratory step outside the Hollywood norms.
75
New York PostV.A. Musetto
New York PostV.A. Musetto
Daring and unique, La Commune makes perfect viewing for the Fourth of July, which commemorates America's own revolution.