Ain’t Misbehavin Review

Posted 10 years ago by myetvmedia

Award-winning filmmaker Marcel Ophüls turns the camera on himself for his autobiographical portrait, the documentary Ain’t Misbehavin’, his first movie in 17 years. Ain’t Misbehavin’ premiered in Cannes (2013) in the Directors’ Fortnight section. The son of legendary filmmaker Max Ophuls, Marcel made his name with The Sorrow and The Pity (1969), a four hour documentary immortalised in Woody Allen’s ‘Annie Hall’. Marcel Ophüls went on to win the 1988 Documentary Feature Academy Award and FIPRESCI Award for Hôtel Terminus: The Life and Times of Klaus Barbie, about one of the world’s most feared Nazi war criminals. His other works go from the Troubles of Northern Ireland to the Serbia/Yugoslavia war. Ain’t Misbehavin’ has won the 2013 FIPRESCI Award at Cannes. This was his second FIPRESCI Award at Cannes, having won in 1994 for Veillées d’armes.

Ophuls does not shy away from some of the more unsavoury aspects of his own character in this documentary. Early in the movie he explains that his wife, Regine, will not be present because of the many problems in their marriage. There aren’t many who would admit that, let alone announce it to the entire world. He also points out the character flaws in his father, including his idea that Regine should abort their child to protect Marcel’s career. He also talks about some of his extra-marital affairs.

As a history lesson, Ophüls creates a fantastic visual story, blending the politics of World War 2 with the Golden Age of cinema, crossing international borders and incorporating archival material masterfully. Had he simply focused on that aspect, it still would have been an amazing documentary. He brings a lot of behind the scenes to the forefront, including his father’s most humiliating moment and some of the wild sex and adultery happening between different Hollywood directors and actors. As an autobiography, or a biography of his father, it is less effective, still good, but his love letter to the Golden Age of Hollywood is really the most gripping story within this film.

Recommended for film buffs and fans of Ophuls.

Donal O’Connor

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