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Madame
l'eau
Reviewed
by Jamie Stockholm-Berthe
In
Madame l'eau we find several of our favorite 'characters' from other
Rouch films. Damouré, Talloul and Lam find themselves on another
adventure that will again take them to the West. This time they travel
to Holland with the idea that a windmill might resolve irrigation
difficulties that have been created by a severe water shortage. Their
(mis)adventures in Holland are led by a Dutch woman (Wineke) who soon
falls under the spell of these endearing men. The film takes us on
a voyage through Holland as seen through the eyes of these three Africans
(and, of course, their donkey).
The
film has the typical warmth and humor of a Rouch film. The figures
are charming and memorable. The language is poetic as are the images.
I find it rather amazing how Rouch is able to fit into these fairytale-like
films, almost surreptitiously, serious issues such as the lack of
proper irrigation in Niger. Rouch is often invoked in this film, and
does not shy away from allusions to his presence as filmmaker. This
film is a great example of Rouch's talent at combining reflexivity,
humor, poetry, ethnography, documentary, reality and little moments
of magic in order to make a film that defies being labeled. It is
a totally unique cinematic experience.
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