French costume drama

Press, 15 July 1982, Page 14

French costume drama

For a change of pace, the Canterbury Film next week presents an epic costume drama. “Les Camisards,” by the French director, Rene Allio. It describes the rebellion at the beginning of the. Eighteenth Century of the’French Protestants of the Lozere region against the forces of Louis XIV following the repeal of the Edict of Nantes. Many of the Huguenots fled the country but the people of Cevennes took to the hills and formed a guerrilla army. The rebels, called

"camisards" because of their usual costume of long shirts (camisoles), were led by the strategic genius, Gedeon Laporte, and the group took its inspiration from the prophet, Abraham Mazel. The rebellion, which began in 1702, lasted for three years with ever-larger royal armies and more notable generals in pursuit. Allio underlines the relevance of this uprising to contemporary revolutionary activity but the parallels are implied, not stated.

The colour photography, by Denys Clerval, gives a real sense of the rural countryside, sometimes stressing the awkwardness of these reluctant rebels through calculated compositions. The supporting short is entitled “Gymnastic ■ Flashbacks."

The society’s weekly screenings are held at University Room Al, Ham, at 8 p.m., Tuesdays, and at the Museum Theatre at 7.30 p.m., Wednesdays. The half-year subscription now is $l2, and $lO for students and senior citizens.