Watch La gare

La gare is a French film that was released in 2011. Directed by Claire Simon, it tells the story of a railway station in Paris and the people who pass through it every day. The film was shot over the course of several months, and the director used an observational approach to capture the daily routines, habits, and conversations of the people who use the station.

The film starts with a shot of the station in the early morning, as commuters hurry to catch trains and start their day. Throughout the film, we see people of all ages and backgrounds passing through the station, from students and workers to tourists and the elderly. The station is portrayed as a microcosm of society, with people from all walks of life converging in one place.

Over the course of the film, we see various stories unfold. There's a young woman who has missed her train and is stranded in the station, unsure of what to do next. There's an elderly man who spends his days observing the comings and goings of the station, and who strikes up an unlikely friendship with a homeless man. There are families traveling together, students studying for exams, and couples bidding farewell as they embark on long-distance relationships.

One of the most striking elements of La gare is the way it portrays the station as a place of both connection and isolation. On the one hand, the station is where people go to go places, to meet loved ones, and to pursue opportunities. It's a place where people connect with others and with the rest of the world. On the other hand, the station is also a place of loneliness and transience. People pass through the station, but rarely stay for long. They're always on the move, and even when they're surrounded by hundreds of people, they can feel utterly alone.

The film also touches on deeper themes of class and inequality. We see the stark differences between the experiences of the tourists and the local commuters. The tourists are welcomed with open arms, while the regulars are treated as almost invisible. There's also a subtle commentary on the divide between those who have the means to travel freely and those who don't. For some, the station is a gateway to new opportunities; for others, it's a symbol of a society in which not everyone has the same access to mobility and freedom.

The film's observational approach means that there's no traditional narrative structure. Instead, the viewer is invited to piece together their own impressions of the station and its inhabitants. The lack of a central plot or character means that the film can feel somewhat meandering at times, and it's possible that some viewers may find it slow-paced. However, for those who appreciate character-driven dramas and art-house films, La gare is a rich and complex exploration of human nature and the spaces we inhabit.

Visually, the film is stunning. The station itself is a beautiful backdrop, with its arched ceilings, bustling crowds, and flashing neon signs. The cinematography captures both the grandeur and intimacy of the space, moving seamlessly between sweeping wide shots and tight close-ups. The editing is also masterful, with the filmmakers using jump cuts and the occasional time-lapse to create a sense of motion and urgency. Meanwhile, the sound design is equally impressive, with the bustling chatter of the crowds and the rumble of trains creating a sense of constant movement and energy.

Overall, La gare is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a unique perspective on the modern world. By focusing on the daily routines and simple interactions of the people who pass through the station, the film explores themes of connection, loneliness, and inequality. It's not a film for everyone - with its lack of a traditional plot and slow pacing, some viewers may find it challenging - but for those who appreciate art-house cinema and humanistic storytelling, it's a must-see.