“Something in the Air” is an Old Story with a New Look

There is something classic about French director Olivier Assayas’s new film “Something in the Air” (originally titled “Après Mai”). The Best Screenplay recipient at the Venice Film Festival is a set during the European youth riots of the late 1960s and tells the story of several young friends caught up in the frenzy. It’s an “Across the Universe” that makes sense and a “The Graduate” that’s somehow less adult.  As with that film, comparison between generations (and art forms) is the predominant theme here.  With its sun–bleached, quivering camera shots, haunting, footstep–heavy soundwork and costumes exquisite in their 60s, Free People–esque charm, “Something in the Air” is simply breathtaking.

Starring Clement Metayer, Lola Creton, Felix Armand, Carole Combes
Directed by Olivier Assayas
4/5 Stars