Inspired by Herman Melville's 1888 novella Billy Budd, but set against the backdrop of the Djibouti desert, this shimmering, poetic film explores the complexities of desire, masculinity, and isolation within the confines of a French Foreign Legion outpost. Beau Travail debuted in Sight and Sound's 2022 Greatest Films of All Time list at number 7, but has long been revered by cinephiles and filmmakers; director Barry Jenkins cites it as a key influence on his 2016 Oscar winning film, Moonlight.
This screening will open with an introduction from RMIT Cinema Studies academic Dr Djoymi Baker, who will discuss Beau Travail as key example of the ways Denis's distinctive authorial style asks us to focus on landscapes and the body, and why this film resonates with audiences and critics alike.
The Best Films You've Never Seen is presented by RMIT Culture in partnership with RMIT Cinema Studies.
Rating: MA15
Language: French (English subtitles)
Country: France
Year: 1999
Duration: 92mins
Image credit: still from Beau Travail (1999), courtesy Janus Films.
Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty has arrived in Melbourne! This beloved tale is brought to life through classical dance, stunning choreography, and beautiful glow-in-the-dark costumes.
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
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