Has there ever been a generation angstier than the ones that grew up with rock? When asked to make a film inspired by the music he listened to, Olivier Assayas created Cold Water, a coming-of-age drama that captured a generation who had to hunt down the new American sound, while the adults were satisfied with the established classics. It’s a raw recollection, one that paints that time with dissatisfaction instead of the rose-tinted nostalgia that usually comes in this genre. Nearly half the film was just focused on the hazy, smoke-filled party that burned down an abandoned mansion. But in forgoing the familiar coming-of-age beats, Cold Water honestly captures both the fading joy and empty solitude that comes with growing up.
Synopsis
An outer suburb of Paris, 1972. Gilles and Christine, both sixteen, are classmates and lovers who have become frustrated with the aloofness of their families and the general monotony of their lives. When the pair are caught shoplifting, Christine's father ships her off to a home for emotionally disturbed children, temporarily putting space between her and Gilles. Luckily for them, though, she escapes and the couple contemplate running away together.
Storyline
Paris, 1972. After hearing her father plans to put her in a home, troubled teenager Christine chooses to escape, running away to the countryside with her boyfriend Gilles.
TLDR
I need to know Olivier Assayas’ Spotify. Does he have one? Does anyone have a playlist? I need to know.
What stands out
Given the runtime, it won’t be a surprise that the party scene would stand out, but it’s also interesting because it’s one of the few markers that formed the foundation of Assayas’ style.
