Since the beginning of filmmaking, there have been documentaries of one sort or another that have captured American life for future generations to witness. As technology has advanced and society has turned a bit more introspective, this subsection of the genre has only grown in popularity. Take for example the recent Academy Award nominee Hale County This Morning, This Evening, which put a spotlight on the lives of African Americans in a small Alabama town without succumbing to the idea that a traditional narrative was necessary. While it is unlikely that it was a direct inspiration, French documentarian François Reichenbach’s America As Seen By A Frenchman from 1960 serves as something of a spiritual predecessor to that general experience. Not only does the film give us a snapshot into the lives of those in the 1950s, we gain additional insight by absorbing it through the lens of an outsider.
Reichenbach spent eighteen months traveling across America in the late 1950s and documenting it in all of its wonderfully diverse glory. The resulting film is a mostly judgement-free exploration of what society valued at this time in history and the varying cultural identities that make us who we are. Reichenbach provides narration over footage in which the camera maintains a passive eye rather than ever engaging in any interviews. The movie is a collage of different experiences from our fascination with theme parks such as Disneyland, complete with problematic exploitation of Native American culture, to the wholesome idea of an entire town gathering to witness a soapbox derby. The director is quite obviously fascinated with American culture, and his observations can feel a bit naive at times, but the way in which he chooses to capture a wide range of our life is appreciated. There are plenty of fictionalized depictions of life during this time period, but seeing actual people in these situations is a connection to our past that cannot be replicated.
One of the perhaps unexpected benefits of the film is the way in which Reichenbach’s observations connect so solidly to our modern times. Early on in the film, the topic of our fascination with photography, even when it gets in the way of living in the moment, is explored in a way that could not hit closer to home any harder. While not put forward in judgement, the way in which he showcases the value our society puts on beauty in events such as the Miss America pageant offers up compelling food for thought. Reichenbach is not interested in only presenting serious situations; he gets great joy out of putting a lense on America’s eccentricities. At one point, he turns an eye on a gathering of identical twins from all ages in a sequence that is mesmerizing to take in. At another point, he takes us inside a school where they are teaching women how to do a proper striptease. America is not a sexless society by any means, and the director gives us everything from this class to a more chaste display of libido, as teens engage in courtship rituals at a beachside party. The film even delves into America’s prison system in a way that maintains the unbiased tone the film strives for throughout the runtime.
As a complete view of America, the film fails in certain respects. Perhaps by nature of the prejudices of the time, the film features very little in the way of minorities outside problematic depictions of Native Americans. The best way in which we get some cultural flavor into the film is the “black carnival” in New Orleans that does present some interesting traditions those outside the area may be unaware of. Taken for what it is, America As Seen By A Frenchman offers up an important anthropological examination of American society in a manner that is so much fun to watch. While we have developed in countless positive ways in the time since this was shot, we should always be willing to look back and see what we can learn from our past. Documentary fans should find a lot to enjoy about this, from the early implementation of this style of filmmaking to the sociological knowledge that is stood to be gained.
Video Quality
The Arrow Academy Blu-Ray of America As Seen By A Frenchman is presented in its original 2.35:1 from an HD master prepared by Les Films du Jeud. This is a very nice looking transfer that eliminates nearly all of the print damage and maintains good film grain support throughout. When you consider the enterprising way in which the film was shot, it is impressive how great the film looks. There does not appear to be any issues with compression artifacts or any other such digital anomalies. There is some slight variation in color temperatures in some scenes, but nothing presents as too egregious. Arrow Academy has given the film the proper presentation that it deserves.
Audio Quality
The audio soundtrack is presented in lossless PCM 1.0 monaural in the original French with optional English subtitles. The narration is as clear and consistent as it can be with no major sound issues detected. The most important thing is that the track remains faithful to the intention of the creative team. One of the most noteworthy aspects of the film is the lively, “American” score from composer Michel Legrand. While a bit steeped in stereotype, the score is quite fun and resonates great within the confines of the tracks. The film sounds as good as it probably ever will on this Blu-Ray.
Special Features
- F For French: A nearly 24-minute featurette in which author and critic Philip Kemp shares his appreciation for the film along with personal details on filmmaker François Reichenbach. Kemp gives some enlightening details on why Reichenbach may have become so fascinated with documentary filmmaking. This also shows off some footage from some of his other works that looks equally as fascinating. There is a second-hand anecdote from Reichenbach about how he gained access to all of the places featured in the film that is quite hilarious.
- Image Gallery: A minute-long series of images from the shoot are included here.
Final Thoughts
American As Seen By A Frenchman is the type of anthropological study I can get behind. While not saddled with a traditional narrative, the documentary spotlights many fascinating pockets of America that have long become a beacon of the past. Arrow Academy has delivered a stellar Blu-Ray with a pleasing A/V presentation and a couple of interesting special features. If you are intrigued by the idea of learning more about 1950s America, or if you are just a huge documentary fan, there is a lot to enjoy here. Recommended
America As Seen By A Frenchman is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Arrow Academy has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.

Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.