Reframing remembrance examines films about the Nazi Occupation of France, charting how this period has been commemorated and how it has affected the articulation of French national identity. The book proposes that 1995 marked the beginning of a new approach to commemoration, reflected by socio-political acts, such as Jacques Chirac's July 1995 Vél' d'Hiv speech, and artistic acts, most notably films set during the Occupation. This is an approach that embraces critical engagement with history and its retelling. With relevance to countries beyond France and events far removed from the Second World War, Reframing remembrance highlights the need for ongoing, honest remembrance and self-reflection as cultural representations of history continue to shape contemporary views about nations' identities and their global responsibilities.

Reviews

'Each chapter offers cinematic examples and delivers an excellent analysis of how the film embodies the topic of the chapter. Including a useful filmography, this book offers a valuable historical overview of this body of work and its scholarly context and cinematic legacy.'
Choice
Reprinted with permission from Choice Reviews. All rights reserved. Copyright by the American Library Association.

'Campbell succeeds in illustrating how film is an excellent format for engaging critically with history and commemoration. Reframing Remembrance: Contemporary French Cinema and the Second World War is recommended for those wanting to teach the events of the World War II occupation of France, whether it be in a French-language course, a film studies course, or a history course.'
Dalhousie French Studies

Introduction
1 Resistance: Lucie Aubrac, Bon Voyage, Les Femmes de l'ombre and L'Armée du crime
2 Collaboration: Les Misérables, La Rafle and Elle s'appelait Sarah
3 The dichotomy dilemma : Laissez-passer, Effroyables jardins and Monsieur Batignole
4 Legacy: Un héros très discret, Le Promeneur du Champ-de-Mars, Indigènes and Diplomatie
5 New generations : Belle et Sébastien, Un secret and Les Héritiers
Conclusion
Index

Author

Lisa Harper Campbell is an independent researcher specialising in French, screen and drama studies. She is also an actor, director, producer and writer.