Thapson
“Model Shop” (1969)
So the lead actor definitely had me interested in watching this movie. But funny thing is, I kept dozing off within the first few minutes! The movie felt flat and uninteresting and I was really disappointed. Finally, after many instances of giving up within the first few minutes, I watched it in its entirety a few months back. It was a matter of catching it at the right time and in the right frame of mind. So how did it go? As I’ve stated, it does not deal with a toy shop, but studio models.
Synopsis
The Scenario
The movie is directed by French director Jacques Demy and, while it is shot in the heart of Hollywood, it definitely has a French feel to it. I can’t put my finger on any particular thing to underline that statement, except in its overall feel. But more about that later.
The movie covers one day in the life of George Matthews played by Gary Lockwood. Trained as an architect, he seems a little lost in what he really wants to do. At best, it could be his late 60s style idealism of refusing to “give in to the man,” and instead letting the chips fall where they may. At worse, he’s just plain lazy and unambitious. He lives with his girlfriend, Gloria (Alexandra Hay) who loves him sincerely and believes in his capabilities. She encourages him through “tough love” hoping to shake him out of his doldrums.
George’s Day
But this relationship is on the rocks as George is indifferent to his situation, Gloria’s encouragement, or threats of breaking up. His car is also in the process of being repossessed – reflecting his financial situation. While Gloria heads out to pursue a possible modelling assignment, George is off to get some money to avoid his auto repossession.
He drives around 1969 LA, meeting up with friends, who are surprisingly helpful. In this duration, George is distracted by a mysterious woman. He stalks her, Lola (Anouk Aimée), around LA to try get to know her. Meanwhile, he also discovers he’s been drafted for Vietnam. Upon catching up with Lola, we discover she has an interesting profession and past.
How does George’s day go eventually? What happens to his relationship with Gloria? What about Lola? For the answers, you’d need to watch the movie.
“The move covers one day in the life of George Matthews played by Gary Lockwood.”
Primary Cast
My Take
Not Banal
The movie has been described as “banal” by many. That was the reason, I kept dozing off when trying to watch it earlier. But I’m happy I didn’t do so in the last viewing. Isn’t anyone’s life banal when seen in almost “real-time?” Which is what the director has done here. He plays up George Matthews’ predicament and how he tackles it without any frills or fanfare. I think this was purposefully done on Demy’s part. As such it seems to depart from your dramatic Hollywood approach.
The characters appear almost real due to their banality. And that makes them endearing. The band members are real, not actors, hence feel authentic. The understated acting of the others also makes them “believable.” And in the middle of it all is the almost indifferent attitude of Ms. Aimée’s character – an “icing on the cake which is the movie.”
Los Angeles in 1969
The city of LA from 1969 is a treat to watch. Especially as it’s seen through “non-Hollywood” lenses. It seems to have a starring role unto itself as you travel the streets among the cars of that period with George in his MG convertible. It’s not so crowded as it has become these days. While relatively “shoddy” looking, it feels less “built up” than the LA of today. The cars of that period are a joy to watch too. Despite being a big city, there seems to be a simplicity to it which is apparent in the movie. We get to experience it both in the daytime and night. In one scene, even George is impressed to see the cityscape from an elevation. And it’s all through the eyes of a French director who seems to have a love for it in his own way.
The People
As I mentioned, the cast is quite interesting. We all have this belief of simpler times. Well, they seem to fit this image. I could not see any unpleasant person through the movie. They all come off polite, well mannered, and helpful. I’m not sure if this was done on purpose by Demy, or is the actual culture of the day. Almost reflecting a “hippie,” laid back kind of personality of “live and let live.” Anouk Aimée almost lives up to the stereotypical impression we have of a French woman – beautiful, aloof, and indifferent. Again, I guess this was done on purpose. Gloria’s friend, Gerry, is polite to George even as he’s likely taking his girlfriend away. Gloria is sympathetic to George until the end. And even the “repo” man is surprisingly accommodating in his dealings. This results in a pleasant feeling all round reflecting simpler times.
Movie Trivia
I was surprised to read that Alexandra Hay died very young at just 46
Anouk Aimée, in real life, seems pretty close to the character she plays in this movie with some describing her as difficult. Which could be the reason she’s done so fewer roles than I anticipated – especially in Hollywood.
Apparently, a young Harrison Ford was in contention for the lead role of George, but Columbia Pictures felt they had a winner in Gary Lockwood post “2001…” History has, unfortunately, reflected otherwise.
This was evidently the only English movie Jacques Demy made.
Quentin Tarantino has said that he took this movie as an inspiration for his “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”
Conclusion
I liked this movie a lot. I don’t know if having a curiousity in movies shot in, and depicting, a period which was likely your most innocent helps. The lifestyle, technology, and cultural norms are a fascinating watch. Topping it all off is how despite its monotony, the movie is definitely interesting and keeps you engaged from the start to the end as you wonder how it’ll turn out for the main protagonist. I think it had an ending that seemed to reflect French sensibilities which may have turned off many Americans. After all, they like a winner. Don’t let the slow pace put you off. There are some scenes that are unsuitable for minors.
UncleDiss / YouTube.com
I’ll be back with another interesting movie and share my opinions with you. Feel free to share your thoughts using the link below. Meanwhile, I’ll go off and try to watch “Once Upon a Time In Hollywood.”
Last Three Posts from “At The Movies” and Similar
The Westerns – Exciting, Forgotten TV Genre
Barton Fink (1991) – Is The Joke On Us?
“633 Squadron” – All The Good Guys Die
Complete List of Movies and TV Stuff
List of TV & Movie Reviews, etc.
More on “Spirit” the band
“Spirit” – Biography of the Band
