The Vertical Smile
1973A kaleidoscope of images from history populate this skillfully animated French feature. The story concerns a history professor whose ideas about human history cause him distress. Amid a flurry of newsreel-type images, Joan of Arc's trial is shown. Another theme which emerges is of two ages (in the far past and far future) in which naked humans fight one another with animalistic aggression.
Acted in
Françoise Brion
as Lennie
François Perrot
as Relde
Henri Serre
as Tablo
Olivier Hussenot
as Doux Donnie
Jean-Pierre Mocky
as Franco, le prêtre borgne
André Chaumeau
as Le voyeur
Natalie Perrey
as Mère Jeanne des Anges
Georges Carmier
as Cauchon
Violaine Doucy
as Jeanne d'Arc
Vanina Michel
as Léone
Catherine Stermann
as La petite fille
Max Vialle
as Général P.P.
Michel Charrel
as L'agresseur
Didier Flamand
as Le jeune prêtre
Bernard Jeantet