Movie - Les rendez-vous d’Anna (1978)

The somewhat aloof and timid filmmaker Anna Silver (Akerman's alter ego) arrives in Germany to promote her new film. She takes a complete stranger to her hotel to share the bed, but also sends him away just like that. And so she has several meetings: in Cologne with an old friend, in Brussels she meets her mother (Lea Massari), on the train she listens to the story of a fellow traveller and in Paris she meets her lover Daniel. Anna turns out to be the centre of a group of lost souls, of people in deep existential misery. The war, even though it ended over 30 years ago, is never far away.

This story of longing, loneliness, (sexual) identity and the recurring spectre of war is considered by many to be one of Akerman's best films. She uses her signature static, symmetrical compositions and fluid tracking shots, leading to seemingly calm images that actually enhance the emotional impact.

Director
Chantal Akerman

Country
Belgium, France, Germany

Release date
1978

Duration
128 min

Viewer guide
AL

Language
French

Subtitles
English