On Tuesday, 3rd June 2014, I watched the short film, Le Ballon de Rouge, when it was shown on TV5 MONDE. Released, according to some sources a couple of years ago, and according to some, this year; Le Ballon de Rouge, is the directorial debut of Sylvain Bressollette, who worked as a trainee assistant director for movies like Amélie (2001) a.k.a. Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain and The Devil wears Prada (2006).
A beautiful clever little film, which begins (or rather is just set in one evening in Paris) in 1963.
A couple is seated in a diner in Paris, France, having an argument on the 22nd of November, 1963, the day John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, United States of America. In the next booth is seated a young man who is applying for a job as a waiter. As the news of Kennedy’s assassination is announced, the distracted husband moves to the bar. Taking this opportunity the young man starts talking to the young wife in the next booth, seducing her with a picture perfect, with slight imperfections, future with him, up to present day, if she agrees to run away with him this very moment.
What is interesting, in this 20 minute drama, is that he shows her the future with actual historical happening and changing times that took place since 1963. We see the 60’s progressing, the hippies, the youth rebellion of May 1968 (in Paris) a.k.a. Paris Students Riots of 68’, the moon landing in July 1969, to the changing styles of the sizzling 60’s to the bellbottoms and Farrah Fawcett hairstyles of the 1970’s to modern technology (their future grown up daughter, living in the States and speaking to her parents on a mobile phone), and the couple in old age, i.e. modern day Paris. The future of what life might be for the couple post 1963, is interwoven beautifully with accurate historical events and styles, making the movie very realistic and fun. I don’t want to give away the coincidental ending with the symbolic Red Wine Glass (Le Ballon de Rouge).
Le Ballon de Rouge (2012/2014)
Rating 10/10 Excellent !!!
Nuwan Sen’s Film Sense
ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ
¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨
No Nonsense with Nuwan Sen 
Le Ballon de Rouge sounds intriguing, and I would guess you are one of the few people who has been lucky enough to see it. I’ve just been browsing on the IMDb and Letterboxd and I couldn’t find a single review.
I guess so. Thanks!!!
Wow dude. This film seems to showcase a ton in only a twenty minute run-time. You seem to love the European shorts eh? The poster is quite clever as well. Glad that you liked it! Perfect score makes me want to seek it out!
Yes it does. And Oh Yes! I love European films (be it short or full feature length).
Cheers!!!
Thanks for the write up. Makes me want to watch it.
Yes Saki, please do and let me know what you think.
🙂
Sounds interesting, will keep in mind! What’s quite intriguing is the poster: a reconstruction of Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks (1942) – another proof that Hopper’s composition is timeless and universal!
Yes, it is. And I love Ed Hopper. One of my favourite American artists.
Did you come across any of Hopper’s work during your recent visit to the States?
Mine too! Saw a few works in the large museums (Met, MoMa), but nothing as impressive at that moment, as the massive exhibition held in Paris, in 2012! [http://liabxl.wordpress.com/2012/12/28/edward-hopper-an-exhibition-grand-palais-paris-02-december-2012/]
Hello,
I’m the director of this movie. Thank you for your wise article !
You can see the film trailer here : https://vimeo.com/90105809
Enjoy !
Sylvain
I really enjoyed your movie. Thanks for checking out my blog.
Wish to see more great short films from you in the near future.
All the Best
Cheers
Nuwan