In 1877, Saint-Imier, a town renowned for its watchmaking, became a hub for anarchism with worldwide implications. It was in this same town that Pyotr Kropotkin (Alexei Evstratov), a Russian philosopher and geographer, arrived, dispelling his socialist upbringing for the anarchism he found amongst the locals. Kropotkin’s experience in Saint-Imier was transformative and led to his lifelong advocacy for individual freedom and the abolition of the state and capitalism. His presence in Saint-Imier coincided with the rise of anarchism in the town, making it a landmark for the movement’s development.
Unrest, the sophomore film by award-winning Swiss filmmaker Cyril Schäublin, sets the tone with a confession of ideological conversion, drawing us in from the start. The movie takes us on a hypnotic journey back to the early days of modernity, when revolutionary objects like the photograph and telegraph were emerging, and new relationships were forming between employer and employee, and in town elections. It’s a generous, off-kilter exploration of the capitalist world’s genesis that we know today, offering a fresh perspective on the development of modern society.
The bustling streets of Saint-Imier come alive with vibrant shades of yellow and green, creating a microcosm of bustling activity that captivates Kropotkin. Seeking a guide through this new world, Kropotkin fortuitously encounters Josephine (Clara Gostynski), a factory worker responsible for producing the unrest piece that drives the ticking of a clock. The film’s title takes on a double meaning, referring both to this object and to the abstract notion of social unrest. Through Josephine’s eyes, Kropotkin is introduced to the ideas of anarchism, learning about their deviations from traditional Marxist paradigms and how the workers’ union can counteract the dehumanization rampant within the factory. The story is a captivating exploration of social dynamics and human resilience, as Kropotkin and Josephine navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world.
Unrest is not just a period film, it’s a work of art that is both delightful and enthralling. What sets it apart is the way it refuses to take itself too seriously, infusing the serious subject matter with a playful sense of humor. The non-professional actors deliver their lines with a charming stiltedness that is both rich and open to action and reaction, adding to the film’s overall sense of authenticity. The visual composition is equally impressive, with cinematographer Silvan Hillmann framing people from a distance, cropping their faces, or placing them in far corners, creating a playful fabrication that feels both beautiful and engaging.
The film masterfully uses the imaginative constructs that shape our contemporary world as a source of fascination and awe. Saint-Imier’s manifold timekeeping methods and the economic value attached to the hint of a romance in a portrait are just as arbitrary as the standardized time or market principles we take for granted today. The film invites us to reflect on the fact that our perception of history is always bound up in the imaginary frameworks that we ourselves have constructed. And yet, this doesn’t diminish the profound impact of the past on our present, nor the ways in which we continue to be shaped by artificial systems and structures. Unrest invites us to engage with these ideas in a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating manner.
Unrest is a striking example of a period film that manages to capture the essence of the present, resonating with audiences. With its sharp dialogue and witty delivery, this film offers a refreshing take on the past, breathing new life into an era that may seem antiquated to some. Cyril Schäublin’s precise direction highlights the ways in which our lives are governed by arbitrary, artificial structures, both in the past and the present. Through this lens, Unrest offers a glimmer of hope, reminding us that even in difficult times, we can still find solace in our shared humanity and our ability to persevere.
Unrest will debut at Film at Lincoln Center in New York on May 5, 2023 courtesy of KimStim. The film will expand to additional markets in the following weeks.
Unrest is a striking example of a period film that manages to capture the essence of the present, resonating with audiences.
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GVN Rating 7.5
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It all started when I was a kid watching Saturday morning cartoons like the Spider-Man: Animated Series and Batman. Since then I’ve been hooked to the world of pop culture. Huge movie lover from French New Wave, to the latest blockbusters, I love them all. Huge Star Wars and Marvel geek. When I’m free from typing away at my computer, you can usually catch me watching a good flick or reading the next best comic. Come geek out with me on Twitter @somedudecody.