La Maison de la Radio

A humane, exhilarating portrait of Radio France from the inside, airing a dawn-to-dusk vision of the station with affection and philosophical depth.

Structured as a day-in-the-life in the workings of Radio France (but compiled from footage shot over half a year), this latest gem from the great French documentarist Nicolas Philibert provides welcome, illuminating access into a mysterious world which usually remains invisible even as it grants free rein to our imaginations. As his patient, perceptive camera observes the preparation and recording of the news and sports reports, drama and documentaries, quizzes and concerts, chat shows and DJ sessions broadcast by the station’s various channels, it’s funny, touching and – ironically, perhaps – visually exhilarating, for this is also undoubtedly a subtle and lovely exploration of the human face. As often with Philibert, there’s an underlying fascination with how language reflects and affects thoughts, feelings and ideas, a deeply compassionate concern that ensures both the film’s philosophical richness and its enormously enchanting appeal. Has it a flaw? Only that it leaves you wanting more.