Origins of the 21st Century

About This Movie

So, 'Origins of the 21st Century' is a fascinating piece, even if it's not by a mainstream director. It's this 17-minute documentary that really plays with the idea of cinema’s evolution. Instead of a celebratory tone for the new century, it’s more of a blunt force trauma—Godard throws together these visceral war images and Nazi horrors with a dash of Maurice Chevalier from 'Gigi.' The pacing feels almost jarring, shifting from historical chaos to a lighter musical interlude, which makes you reflect on how intertwined entertainment and tragedy can be. The editing is raw, and the atmosphere feels heavy but essential, making it a striking commentary on the legacy we carry into the 21st century. Definitely not what you'd expect for a Cannes opener, but that’s what makes it stand out.

Experimental documentary style, not traditional narrative.Includes disturbing historical footage.Interesting juxtaposition of genres.