Watch Just Don't Think I'll Scream

Just Don't Think I'll Scream is a French experimental film by director Frank Beauvais. Released in 2019, the movie is a unique and deeply personal take on the concept of cinephilia, loneliness, and depression. The film opens with a black screen, and we hear the voice of Beauvais himself narrating his life story. He talks about how he always wanted to be a filmmaker since he was a child but never quite made it to the big leagues. We learn that he moved to a remote village in Alsace following the breakup with his girlfriend, leaving him alone with his thoughts and his cinephilia. Frustrated and trapped in his own mind, Beauvais starts feeling desperate and anxious, and he decides to document his life by recording everything he watches on his TV screen.

As the movie progresses, we are shown a relentless stream of footage from various movies and TV shows, interspersed with snippets of nature, empty rooms, and street scenes. The footage is often chopped up and blended together, a visual cacophony of sound and image that mirrors the chaotic state of the protagonist's mind. We catch glimpses of obscure art-house movies along with familiar classics, B-movies, and even commercials.

The only constant is the voice-over narration by Beauvais, who talks about his failed relationships, his fears, his family, and the state of the world. He shares his thoughts on love and sex, his existential angst, and his feeling of being disconnected from the society around him. The narration is poetic, raw, and confessional, as if the director himself is speaking directly to the viewer.

Just Don't Think I'll Scream is a deeply introspective movie that challenges the boundaries of traditional storytelling. It doesn't have a linear plot or any character development, nor does it have a grand message or a moral lesson. Instead, the film is an immersive experience that invites the viewer to step into the mind of the director and see the world through his eyes.

The movie is not without its flaws. Some critics have criticized its self-indulgence and navel-gazing, arguing that it fails to engage the audience in a meaningful way. Others have found the visuals overwhelming and dizzying, making it hard to keep up with the fast-paced editing.

However, for those who are willing to dive into the movie's unconventional style, Just Don't Think I'll Scream can be a rewarding and thought-provoking experience. It's an ode to cinephilia and the power of cinema to connect us to the world, even when we feel isolated and alone. Through the footage of hundreds of movies, we see the richness and diversity of human experience, from love and joy to violence and despair.

In summary, Just Don't Think I'll Scream is a highly experimental and personal movie that challenges the boundaries of conventional storytelling. It's not for everyone, but those who are willing to engage with its raw and immersive style may find it a rich and rewarding experience.