Cahiers du cinéma n°714 - September 2015

This issue of the French film magazine delves into the "political void" in contemporary French cinema, arguing that it avoids addressing real political issues, instead resorting to social dramas or genre films that often perpetuate stereotypes or offer cynical viewpoints. Feature articles discuss this trend through films like *Dheepan* by Jacques Audiard, which won the Palme d'Or but is criticized for its simplistic portrayal of the banlieues, and *La Loi du marché* by Stéphane Brizé, which is seen as wallowing in the humiliation of the working class. The magazine also explores how recent French films use historical settings to avoid contemporary political engagement, looking at films like *Journal d'une femme de chambre* and *Les Cowboys*. There is a focus on the psychological makeup of film characters, dividing them into types such as the humiliated, the villains, and the obstinate. In addition to this, the magazine includes articles on the work of Apichatpong Weerasethakul, specifically his latest film *Cemetery of Splendour*, and an interview with the director. Also included are several reviews, including a piece on the independent film *Queen of Earth*, a retrospective on the films of Kiyoshi Kurosawa, and interviews with Keiichi Hara, director of *Miss Hokusai*, and Alex Ross Perry. Finally, the magazine contains multiple sections covering news, festivals, and dvd releases.