
*Unable to locate an image of the VHS cover at this time.
Length of film: 202 Minutes
Rated: Not Rated
Genre: Drama
Director: Chantal Akerman
Starring: Delphine Seyrig, Jan Decorte, Henri Storck, Jacques Doniol-Valcroze, Yves Bical,
IMDB Rank: 7.6/10
Part 1 Time: 125 Minutes
Part 2 Time: 77 Minutes
Where does the first part end? Jeanne Dielman (Delphine Seyrig) goes to bed. The screen then fades to blue stating it is the end of the second day.
Final line of dialogue on the first part: Jeanne Dielman speaks with her son Sylvain Dielman (Jan Decorte) before bedtime, “It’s late, Sylvain. Sleep well.”
First line of dialogue on the second part: Dialogue does not start until about 8 minutes into the second half as Jeanne Dielman prepares breakfast for Sylvain Dielman and asks “Did you was your hands.”
How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal, Jeanne Dielman has the stereotypical stay at home mother life, with the same daily routines, resulting in each day blending together. How can Jeanne Dielman live a life with such minimal meaning?
Which part is better? Probably the slowest film in the database and will challenge viewers to continue watching until the end. The entire film documents three full days of Jeanne Dielman’s life. Part one includes the first two days with part two concluding the third day. Part two is significantly better as the monotony of Jeanne Dielman’s existence brings her mental stability to a breaking point.
Academy Awards: None
THEATRICAL POSTER

DVD COVER/SIDE


Having watched Jeanne Dielman (in one sitting), I think a better break point would be at the end of the first day instead of the second as by the end of the first day, You should have an idea of Jeanne’s routine but also doesn’t get into the routine deviations that make the film.
By watching the second and third day in full, You at least get to retain some of the frustrations that Jeanne goes through on those days since you also have to go through her morning routine on the second day.
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