Going Places: The Film Humoring a Different Kind of Freedom

Remember the 70s? A time when films weren't censored by endless digital mobs. "Going Places," the 1974 French film directed by Bertrand Blier, epitomizes this audacious era. Following the misadventures of two aimless drifters, Jean-Claude and Pierrot, as they wander around France, this movie blatantly and, sometimes, hilariously confronts societal norms. Gerard Depardieu and Patrick Dewaere lead this absurd escapade, giving us a peek into a world the likes of which today’s audiences barely comprehend.

Shot across the scenic locales of France, the film made its debut amid an atmosphere charged with significant sociopolitical changes. The '70s were about liberty, experimentation, and pushing boundaries in every feasible direction. Back then, it was more about the audacious spirit of the narrative, and less about the viewers’ comfort. Modern filmgoers might clutch their pearls at its provocative manner, but therein lies its enduring essence - a harsh yet entertaining mirror reflecting human behavior.

Now, you may wonder, what's all the fuss about a couple of ne'er-do-wells wandering through the French countryside? Simple. It's the reckless freedom they embody that today's creators either sanitize or berate. Their adventures, full of casual lawlessness and unabashed amorality, serve as a flashpoint for dynamic debate on the nature of freedom and its consequences. The film’s message is not neatly packaged; it's raw and rugged like the times it portrays.

It's almost amusing to think about how today's culture warriors would react to Jean-Claude and Pierrot’s antics. They brazenly challenge norms—not just for the thrill but to explore what lies beyond restrictions. These are unfiltered portrayals, capturing the essence of personal liberty with all its ramifications, from the amusing to the appalling.

In story arcs packed with sexual encounters and petty crimes, this film captures a raw human experience that artfully contrasts modern narratives. It's less of a straight-line journey and more of a chaotic carousel spinning between comedy, drama, and existential reflection. The characters’ interactions, full of sardonic humor, create situations that are hilariously, if not shockingly, plausible.

Yet, amidst the chaos is a satirical commentary on consumerism, relationships, and societal constructs. Irreverent in its storytelling, the film waves off political correctness, almost daring us to look beyond rose-tinted spectacles to appreciate deeper truths. Ironically, for a world obsessed with endless categorization and etiquette, "Going Places" stands out by deliberately flailing the rulebook into the wind.

Dialogue is sharp, witty, and unburdened by the persistent need to preach or politicize. This clarity of purpose gives these '70s projects an edge lacking in many modern equivalents. It’s French New Wave cinema at its most rebellious, chucking bourgeois sensibilities out of the window and offering real drama underpinned by stunning cinematography.

But let’s pause to acknowledge its theatrical reception. Although the film was initially received with controversy due to its depictions of sexual freedom and moral ambiguity, it found its audience. It didn’t cave to pressures of censorship or alter its audacious tone. This presented a dilemma to some but gratified others who saw it as an assertion of independent thought.

As with any artistic works intent on shattering traditionalist boundaries, there were those who decided to be outraged by the content, feigning a need to protect sensibility. Yet these onslaughts failed to deter the creative expression the film championed. "Going Places" represents an important period when creators fearlessly tackled themes of liberty, comfort zones be damned.

One must marvel at the boldness of depiction compared to today's world, where dozens line up to dissect and judge entertainment for supposed transgressions against sensitivity. Imagine the fervor if Jean-Claude and Pierrot's unreserved antics hit the screens now. What was once an artful exploration of anarchic freedom would be subject to endless filter and sanitization discussions.

So why even reminisce about "Going Places"? Simple. It’s a lesson in daring to explore narratives without the self-imposed shackles of climatic outrage culture. Through its unapologetic storytelling, it invites us into discussions about freedom and purpose, albeit in the most unconventional settings. While it’s certainly not for everyone's taste, its fearless exploration of liberty and societal norms makes it an enduring piece of cinematic history.

Here’s a toast to those byways of yesteryear cinema that could take daring leaps without second thoughts over wave upon wave of artificial outrage. It’s a celebration of film as an art form that, like "Going Places," doesn't conform but compels. Embrace the liberty of expression, even if it’s not wrapped in politically correct packaging.