Trans-Europ-Express (1967)

Trans-Europ-Express is very typical of the French new wave, infused with self-conscious visuals, and constantly using reflexive techniques, making it one of the most meta-cinematic productions there is. The narrative consists of a film within a film, featuring the story of a screen writer played by the director of Trans-Europ-Express: Alain Robbe-Grillet. The film then follows the narrative of the prospective film the screen writer creates, which tells the story of Elias, who transports drugs from Paris to Antwert via train, hence the title of the film. As a result, audiences follow two simultanous narratives. At one point these separate narratives are actually combined when Elias and the screen writer are within the same scene, alluding to the fabricated reality of the film itself, by breaking the membrane between the fictional world of the film, and reality in which the film is created. 

The male gaze is explored a lot within Trans-Europ-Express, and interestingly it is this that ultimately leads Elias to his death. The film features sadistic scenes, in which Elais becomes sexually involved with  Eva, tying her with rope and chains. Whilst this content does not immediately point in the direction of high cinema, it's within these scenes that the most alluring camera work is used, making it both difficult and fascinating to watch.

Trans-Europ-Express uses components of various genres, and highlights the manipulation of narratives through the medium of film. Essentially it reminds viewers of the fictitious nature of cinema and critiques the production of film itself. 

7.6/10