A Vibrant Ode to the Spirit of Protest

A Rousing Celebration of Protest in Direct Action

In the 2010s, a coalition of farmers and eco-activists in Notre-Dame-des-Landes, a tranquil commune in western France, established a fiercely defended area known as a Zone to Defend (Z.A.D.). Their mission? To prevent the construction of a controversial airport that threatened their land. Over a decade, this dedicated group faced off against relentless state efforts to evict them, gathering tens of thousands of supporters along the way. Ultimately, in 2018, their perseverance paid off as then-President Emmanuel Macron yielded to their demands. Now, filmmakers Guillaume Cailleau and Ben Russell take us on a captivating journey with Direct Action, exploring what becomes of a movement when it achieves victory.

The Art of Long Takes: A Reflection on Community Life

Direct Action leans heavily on the techniques of slow cinema, drawing inspiration from cinematic legends like Andrei Tarkovsky, Béla Tarr, and most notably, Chantal Akerman. The filmmakers utilize long takes, some stretching several minutes, to provide an intimate glimpse into the daily lives of Z.A.D. inhabitants. The film opens with a stunning low-angle shot of a watchtower, where time seems to stand still, measured only by the movement of clouds and the gentle serenade of birdsong. This meditative style rewards viewers’ patience, inviting us to breathe and reflect.

One particularly memorable shot features a woman immersed in a manual on interrogation resistance, captivatingly narrated to, humorously enough, a pig. This visual irony underscores the film’s ability to transform the mundane into moments of unexpected significance. The quieter acts of protest—a readjustment of a rural way of life—are as vital to the movement’s spirit as protest clashes with riot police.

A Visual Poetry of Labor and Leisure

Aesthetically, Direct Action presents a series of intricate shot compositions that deepen our connection to the narrative. The camera is consistently placed at a low angle, centering around hands and torsos, bringing forth an earthy intimacy. Through wider shots, elements are framed within doorways, through wall gaps, and even between the legs of a punk rocker, creating layers of meaning and context.

As the action unfolds—whether it’s the furrows of a horse-drawn plow, a series of hot plates sizzling with crepes, or the careful arrangement of a chessboard—each scene transforms into a visual metaphor. Work and play blur, with horizontal lines taking precedence, reflecting the anti-hierarchical ethos at the heart of the Z.A.D. community.

Contemplative Cinema: A Tool for Thought

Much like Akerman’s celebrated work, Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles, which portrays the monotony of domestic toil, Direct Action reveals the meditative rhythm of self-sustaining labor. A scene shows a baker meticulously kneading dough, and this deliberate cadence morphs into a graceful ballet of sorts.

The film operates as ambient cinema, a canvas for wandering minds. In our era, oversaturated with rapid-fire, sensational media, it presents a compelling case for slower, more contemplative engagement with the world around us. Rather than succumbing to the distractions of social media, viewers are encouraged to embrace the sound of their own thoughts—to engage critically with their surroundings and to seek out the power of organized resistance.

Filling in the Gaps: A Call to Action

While Cailleau and Russell don’t delve deeply into the specifics of the Z.A.D. movement—its composition, goals, or interconnections with other resistance efforts—they create enough intrigue through imagery that viewers are likely to engage in research beyond the film. This is a film that invites reflection, requiring viewers to take those extra steps to understand the broader narrative.

In a time when authoritarianism rises and center-left parties increasingly capitulate, documentaries like Direct Action are essential. They not only illustrate the real force of militant movements but also showcase how that power can pivot from protest to building autonomous communities—and vice versa.

Conclusion

Direct Action, spanning 216 minutes, is a thoughtful and evocative exploration of community, resistance, and the quiet strength of sustained activism. It’s more than just a document of protest; it’s a celebration of solidarity, a reminder of the change that can be wrought when individuals come together with purpose.

Credits:

• Directors: Guillaume Cailleau, Ben Russell
• Running Time: 216 min
• Rating: NR
• Year: 2024

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