About Je tu il Elle

'Je tu il Elle' is a 1975 French-Belgian drama film, directed by Chantal Akerman. The film is an exploration of gender and sexuality against the backdrop of an increasingly isolated society. The story revolves around the protagonist, Julie, who breaks up with her lover and leaves her apartment only to wander aimlessly. At last, she settles at her ex-lover's place, facing many hurdles in her path.

Making / Production

The film, both written and directed by Chantal Akerman, was produced by the companies Paradise Films, Unité Trois and Les Films de L'Équinoxe. 'Je tu il Elle' saw the filmmaker experimenting with narrative structures and minimalist aesthetic. The film uses long static shots and real-time sequences to allow the audience to journey alongside the protagonist.

Actors

• Chantal Akerman as Julie: The director herself played the lead character, bringing intensity and authenticity to her performance.
• Niels Arestrup as The Driver: Niels Arestrup portrays a truck driver who Julie encounters on her journey, adding depth to the narrative through his performance.
• Claire Wauthion as The Ex-Lover: Wauthion delivers a nuanced performance as Julie's ex-lover.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• 'Je tu il Elle' was Chantal Akerman's first feature-length film, and it's considered as one of the classic in the European feminist cinema.
• The film's title translates to "I, You, He, She" reflecting the universal aspects of human relationships and identity.

Awards

'Je tu il Elle' has had a lasting impact on cinema, particularly in feminist and queer film criticism. However, available data does not indicate any formal awards for this film.

Quotes

• "Can you love the person with whom you live? No."
• "I am past, she said. Past and nothing."
• "I decided to make myself indispensable."

Music, Soundtrack

Jacob, Liliane and A. Brack provided the minimalistic soundtrack in the film. But it is the silence that has been used as a compelling tool throughout the film, augmenting the isolation and loneliness of the character.