French Language, Literature, and Culture: Films

Far from embracing the existentialism he is often associated with, Albert Camus was a social activist and staunch believer in the positive potential of the human race. In this streaming video exerpts from private film archives and a variety of interviews document Camus' career as a journalist concerned with social justice. From his early years in Algeria writing about poverty and oppression to the underground newspaper he edited for the French Resistance, the video reveals how Camus' journalism informed the themes and style of The Stranger, The Plague, and The Myth of Sisyphus.

This multi-DVD set dramatizes the harrowing events of 1957, a key year in Algeria's struggle for independence from France. Recreates the tumultuous Algerian uprising against the occupying French in the 1950s. As violence escalates on both sides, the French torture prisoners for information and the Algerians resort to terrorism in their quest for independence. Children shoot soldiers at point-blank range, women plant bombs in cafés. The French win the battle, but ultimately lose the war as the Algerian people demonstrate that they will no longer be suppressed.

This mulit-part streaming video spans the 20th century from the lives and works of Émile Zola and Marcel Proust to Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir.

"They may try to write me out, suppress me, or alter the facts, but it will be difficult to make me disappear altogether." A military and political leader passionately driven by ambition and possessed of a genius for rallying the French people to his cause, Napoleon Bonaparte is not likely to be forgotten. Filmed at historic locations ranging from Corsica to Egypt and from Spain to Moscow, this epic program tracks the course of events surrounding that peerless figure in French history who took on all of Europe-and very nearly won.

This streaming video thoroughly maps out the transformation of Paris during the 19th century from a stifling, congested city of narrow and winding streets to an aesthetically pleasing model of Industrial Age modernity.

This streaming video depicts elegant performances illustrate this discussion of 20th century French theater and its importance, with some comparisons to American theater.

The French spend about two hours a day at the dining table - almost six years of their lives! This program shows viewers how to make a reservation at a restaurant as well as how to order a quick lunch and a complete dinner.

From the edgy architecture of the Grande Arche de la Défense to the priceless paintings that line the walls of the Musée d'Orsay, France spends a significant part of its national budget on culture. This program shows viewers how to voice an opinion - positive or negative - on French architecture, ask for information at a museum, and speak analytically about works by the great masters. Also, a performance of Molière's Le Malade Imaginaire at a comedy festival is spotlighted, while an apprentice stonemason assisting with the restoration of a 15th-century building is profiled.

In the world of small talk, sports and weather rule. This program covers how to discuss them both through interviews with a meteorologist who travels with the Tour de France and mountain rescue police personnel who risk their lives to save climbers who have gotten into trouble. The video also features everyday people who tell what sports they enjoy and why they like to engage in them.

The history of Parisian culture is one long love story. In this program, everyday people describe their significant others' physical characteristics and personality, set up a date, and express their opinions while clothes-shopping.

In this program, everyday people talk about things common to taking a trip: destinations, directions, and getting the car repaired. In addition, the video profiles an octogenarian taking her maiden voyage in a hot air balloon and a group of students traveling the Canal du Midi via houseboat as they study the architecture and history of the region.