The Vertical Smile

A kaleidoscope of images from history populate this skillfully animated French feature. The story concerns a history professor whose ideas about human history cause him distress. Amid a flurry of newsreel-type images, Joan of Arc's trial is shown. Another theme which emerges is of two ages (in the far past and far future) in which naked humans fight one another with animalistic aggression.

Director: Robert Lapoujade

Cast: Françoise Brion, François Perrot, Henri Serre, Olivier Hussenot, Jean-Pierre Mocky, André Chaumeau, Natalie Perrey, Georges Carmier

Audience-only score — full critic data not yet in the ReelXO vault.