Watch Monsieur Mayonnaise

Monsieur Mayonnaise is a unique and captivating documentary film that delves into the fascinating life of one of the most renowned comic artists in the industry, Philippe Mora. Directed by Trevor Graham, the film offers a delightful blend of animation, live-action, and interviews with Mora's family and peers that ultimately presents an extraordinary tale of resistance, creativity, and love.

The documentary opens with the story of Mora's father, Georges Mora, who was a leader in the French Resistance during the Second World War. Despite his family's prominence and influence, Georges chose to leave everything behind and escape to Australia to start a new life with his wife, Mirka, who went on to become one of the most celebrated artists in the country.

The film then shifts to Philippe's upbringing in Melbourne, Australia, where he grew up surrounded by art and creativity, thanks to his mother's influence. As a child, Philippe was fascinated by the work of comic artists, particularly those involved in wartime propaganda efforts. He saw these artists as literal superheroes, spreading the message of resistance through their work, and eventually decided to follow in their footsteps.

As the film progresses, we see Philippe's comic book career take off, culminating in his most significant work yet - a graphic novel called 'Monsieur Mayonnaise,' inspired by his father's wartime experiences. In the book, Philippe recounts his father's harrowing journey from France to Australia, struggling to escape the tyranny of the Nazis and their allies.

What makes this documentary particularly special is its attention to detail when it comes to the creation of the graphic novel. Philippe and his partner Ruth Fivaz-Silberman embark on a grand journey through France, retracing Georges's steps and interviewing survivors of the war along the way. As they travel, they encounter several obstacles that force them to improvise and become innovative in the way they tell their story.

The film also sheds light on the comic book industry's inner workings, particularly how graphic novels can be used as a medium for tackling complex, challenging subjects. Philippe's work on 'Monsieur Mayonnaise' was groundbreaking because it brought to light the role of graphic novels beyond their traditional association with superheroes and pulp fiction. His work was a testament to the power of art in creating a dialogue and offering solutions to some of the world's most pressing issues.

Monsieur Mayonnaise is a beautifully crafted film that celebrates the life and works of Philippe Mora. The film seamlessly blends interviews, animation, and re-enactments to create an immersive, multi-faceted experience that provides insight into the comic book industry, the Second World War, and the Mora family's incredible story of resilience and love.

In conclusion, Monsieur Mayonnaise is a must-watch for anyone who loves comic books, art, and history. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and creativity in instilling hope and courage in people, even in times of great turmoil and strife. With its unique blend of interviews, animation, and live-action, the film delivers a powerful message of love, resilience, and the human spirit's ability to transcend all obstacles.

Monsieur Mayonnaise is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.