FACES PLACES a Collaborative French Film by Agnes Varda and JR Is Delightful Frame by Frame

Agnes Varda (b Belgium 1928) is a highly regarded famous French filmmaker, photographer, screenwriter.  JR (b France 1983) is a celebrated photographer known for his large art installations.  His his true identity remains a beguiling mystery.  JR is the nom de plume used by the artist and like the filmmaker Jean luc Godard he remains hidden behind dark sunglasses.  JR also dons a dapper chapeau everywhere he goes.  And, everywhere these two went together on this remarkable, magical, life-affirming adventure becomes a marvel to behold.  Through their incredible eyes, lens and charismatic personalities we gain new experiences & consider things in a more profound style.    This doc. film of the dynamic duo's road trip feels more like a serendipitous game of chance and luck.  How this seemingly odd couple comes together is irrelevant although they're both drawn towards each others work.  Their exuberance, curiosity and openness to people, places and things is infectious.  The capacities of a photographed image contain unlimited possibilities.  The power to capture a moment, a memory an image appear omnipotent.  Varda's & JR's developing camaraderie is a joy to behold.  The repetitive filming of overblown photos gets a little long in the tooth.  But, my two favorite oversized photos were of the goat with horns staring straight at the viewer & the lovely young woman, barefoot in summer dress holding a parasol.  This film is a treasure trove of imagination, experimentation, hope and emotion.  I urge everyone to go along for this joyous journey that casts a glossy light on fleeting ephemeral beauty and the indomitable human spirit.