The 10th District Court: Moments of Trials
(Le 10e chambre: Instants d'audiences)
Directed by Raymond Dépardon.
France, 2004, color, 105 min.
French with English subtitles.
France, 2004, color, 105 min.
French with English subtitles.
The proceedings of a Paris courtroom are the basis for one of the most striking nonfiction works to emerge from the continent in recent years. Drawing from over two hundred appearances in the 10th District Courtroom, all featuring the same steadfast judge, renowned photographer Raymond Dépardon provides compelling, often humorous observations of a series of misdemeanor hearings and sentencings. Using a simple, static formal structure, he captures the subtler details of human behavior which reveal the complexities of race, class, and gender in contemporary society.