Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles

Plot

Jeanne Dielman, a lonely young widow, lives with her son Sylvain following an immutable order: while the boy is in school, she cares for their apartment, does chores, and receives clients in the afternoon.

Why watch

Jeanne Dielman meticulously prepares her home while her son is at school, engaging in a series of repetitive tasks that define her existence. As the film unfolds, the weight of her isolation and the monotony of her life become palpable, drawing viewers into a meditative exploration of domesticity and emotional detachment.

Talking points

• the role of women in society
• the impact of isolation on mental health
• the significance of mundane rituals
• the portrayal of motherhood in cinema

Cultural context

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