- Genre
- Documentary
- Year
- 1967
- Runtime
- 1h01
0
The Dinosaur and the Baby
Two directors. One conversation. Cinema's past meets its future.
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Synopsis
The Dinosaur and the Baby is a captivating 1967 French documentary film directed by François Catonné and André S. Labarthe. The film is structured as an eight-part dialogue between legendary filmmaker Fritz Lang and influential director Jean-Luc Godard. This cinematic conversation offers profound insights into the art of filmmaking, exploring themes such as narrative structure, cinematic innovation, and the director’s role in society. The title metaphorically contrasts Lang, the established 'dinosaur' of classic cinema, with Godard, the youthful 'baby' heralding new wave cinema. This unique film is a compelling meditation on film history, theory, and the evolution of cinematic storytelling during a transformative era in the movie industry.
Cast
Reviews
The Dinosaur and the Baby has been praised for its intellectual depth and rare glimpse into the minds of two iconic filmmakers. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a niche appreciation with an audience score reflecting admiration from cinephiles who value cinematic discourse over mainstream appeal. Critics applaud its historical significance and thought-provoking dialogues, with some describing it as an essential piece for understanding cinema's evolution. However, the film’s appeal is primarily to an academic and cinephile audience, resulting in mixed reactions from casual viewers. IMDb ratings average around 7.2/10, with reviewers noting its insightful content but also acknowledging its slow pace and dense conversations may not be accessible for all. Metacritic lacks a formal score due to the film's documentary and archival nature, but critic excerpts highlight the film's respected place in film studies. As film scholar James Quandt stated, “The Dinosaur and the Baby is an irreplaceable document of cinematic legacy, bridging two generations of auteurs.” On the downside, some critics mention the film's lack of traditional narrative and limited entertainment value. Overall, the film is celebrated as a valuable historical dialogue that offers rich perspectives for those deeply interested in film history and theory.
