10EME CHAMBRE-INSTANTS
D’AUDIENCE
THE 10TH DISTRICT COURT: MOMENTS OF TRIAL |
 |
Director:
Raymond Depardon
Cast:
Michele Bernard-Requin: herself
Running time: 105'
Year of production: France - 2004
Rating: Not rated
Gauge: 35mm, DVD (color)
Distributor: Koch Lorber Films
|
|
“The
film, in which Ms. Bernard-Requin dispenses discerning
but dispassionate justice, portrays a microcosm of Parisian
society that makes the judicial process appear more efficient
... The only voice that rises in volume to the levels
common in the American courtroom belongs to a hysterical
defense lawyer who stretches logic far beyond the breaking
point.” Stephen Holden, The New York Times |
|
|
|
|
From May to
July 2003, Raymond Depardon was granted special permission
to film the proceedings of a Paris misdemeanor court’s
hearings. Similar to its predecessor, Caught in the Act, 10th
District Court: Moments of Trial is a unique documentary on
the ins and outs of the French judicial system. Depardon selects
the stories of twelve men and women and films their encounters
with the law. From drunk-drivers to illegal immigrants and
violent husbands, all twelve must explain their side of the
story to Judge Michèle Bernard-Requin. Some can barely
manage a word, while others make passionate speeches about
being lawful citizens. For instance, one man, caught carrying
a knife in the subway, explains at length his family tradition
of using Opinels (specialty knives from a small French town).
He proceeds to quote the law to the judge to prove that the
size of his tool is perfectly legal. Needless to say, the
more he insists, the more Ms. Bernard-Requin becomes impatient.
The most heart-wrenching cases involve illegal immigrants
and drug-dealers caught in the wee hours of the night and
brought to the judge for immediate sentencing. In 10th District
Court, Raymond Depardon reveals the class differences and
expectations in Parisian society, as well as some of the country’s
most pressing social issues.
|
|
|
| PHOTO Koch
Lorber Films |
|
|
|
