Michel Hajanavicius Animates Holocaust in ‘The Most Precious Merchandise
Hazanavicius Tackles Holocaust Barbarism with Animation in ‘The Most Precious Merchandise’
BARCELONA, Spain (Europa Press) - Parisian director Michel Hazanavicius is using animation too explore the horrors of the Holocaust in his new film, ‘The Most Precious Merchandise.’ The film, an adaptation of Jean-Claude Grumberg’s book of the same name, is Hazanavicius’s tribute to those “righteous” individuals who risked their lives to help victims during World War II.
Speaking in an interview during the Barcelona International Film Festival Sant Jordi - BCN Film Fest, where the film is being screened outside of the competition, hazanavicius stated that these righteous people “saved the honour of humanity” thru their heroic actions.
‘The Most Precious Merchandise,’ slated for release in Spanish cinemas on july 11, tells the story of a couple who work as woodcutters. Their lives are forever changed when they rescue a baby thrown from a train bound for a concentration camp, impacting not only their own lives but also the lives of those they encounter.
Hazanavicius emphasized the film’s focus on the power of individual choice. “In holocaust films, we often see victims or executioners. Here, we focus on the righteous,” he said.
He explained that the film’s lumberjack, initially hesitant to intervene, ultimately chooses to do good. The woodcutter comes to understand that saving the child is not a matter of divine intervention but a human decision, highlighting the film’s central message about the “possibility of choosing and behaving well.”
Humanity’s Potential for Good
Hazanavicius asserted that the history of the Shoah is not solely a European concern but a global one. He argued that just as individuals are capable of both cruelty and victimization, they also possess the potential for fairness and goodness.
When asked about the film’s release coinciding with renewed conflict in Europe, Hazanavicius noted that he began working on the project seven years ago. Thus, he said, it is indeed not a direct response to the current situation. However, he finds solace in addressing these issues from a “humanist point of view, emphasizing the value of love” amidst global turmoil.
The director, known for ‘The artist,’ described his shift to animation as a way to approach the Shoah in a new and sensitive manner. He was deeply moved by Grumberg’s book, which is written in a story-like format, and saw animation as a fitting medium to convey the narrative.
Hazanavicius explained that animation allows for artistic interpretation and evocation of reality while maintaining an “adequate distance” to tell a story that is accessible to children without being overly traumatizing.
For the animation style,he opted for a “classic taste” inspired by 19th-century French painting combined with Japanese prints,creating a vibrant and visually appealing aesthetic with flat colors.
Jean-louis Trintignant’s Final Performance
‘The Most Precious Merchandise’ features the voice of the late Jean-Louis Trintignant as the narrator.Hazanavicius revealed that this was Trintignant’s final work before his death in June 2022. Despite being ill and blind at the time,Trintignant “had to memorize the text,” Hazanavicius said.
Hazanavicius described Trintignant’s voice as the most stunning in French cinema and considered his recitation of the text, aimed at children, to be a “moral testament.”
Known for his diverse filmography, including silent cinema (‘The Artist’), animation (‘The Most Precious merchandise’), and zombie films (‘Corten!’), Hazanavicius revealed that his next project will be a science fiction film based on the book ‘The Third Hand,’ for which he is currently writing the script.
# Michel Hazanavicius’s ‘The Most Precious Merchandise’: A Q&A
## What is ‘The Most Precious Merchandise’ about?
‘The Most Precious Merchandise’ is an animated film directed by michel Hazanavicius. It’s based on Jean-Claude Grumberg’s book of the same name and explores the horrors of the Holocaust thru the story of a couple who rescue a baby from a train bound for a concentration camp. The film focuses on the “righteous” individuals who risked their lives to help victims during World War II, highlighting the power of individual choice and humanity’s potential for good.
## Who is Michel Hazanavicius?
Michel Hazanavicius is a Parisian director known for his diverse filmography, including:
* Silent cinema (‘The Artist’)
* Animation (‘The Most Precious Merchandise’)
* Zombie films (‘Corten!’)
## What inspired this film?
hazanavicius was deeply moved by Jean-Claude Grumberg’s book, which is written in a story-like format. He saw animation as a fitting medium to convey the narrative in a new and sensitive manner.
## Why did hazanavicius choose animation for this topic?
Hazanavicius chose animation to approach the Shoah in a new and sensitive way. He explained that animation allows for artistic interpretation and evocation of reality while maintaining an ”adequate distance” to tell a story that is accessible to children without being overly traumatizing.
## What is the film’s central message?
The film’s central message revolves around the “possibility of choosing and behaving well.” It emphasizes the power of individual choice and the potential for humanity to choose good over evil.
## Who is featured in the film?
The film features the voice of the late Jean-Louis Trintignant as the narrator. This was his final work before his death in June 2022.
## What kind of animation style does the film use?
The animation style has a “classic taste” inspired by 19th-century French painting combined with Japanese prints. This creates a vibrant and visually appealing aesthetic with flat colors.
## How does the film portray the Holocaust?
The film does not focus on victims or executioners, rather, it focuses on the righteous individuals, the people who helped victims during World War II. Therefore, this film is a tribute to those who “saved the honor of humanity”.
## When is ‘The most Precious Merchandise’ being released?
‘The Most Precious Merchandise’ is slated for release in Spanish cinemas on July 11.
## Did the timing of the film’s release coincide with the current conflict in Europe?
hazanavicius noted that he began working on the project seven years ago. Thus, it is indeed not a direct response to the current situation. However, he finds solace in addressing these issues from a ”humanist point of view, emphasizing the value of love” amidst global turmoil.
## What was Jean-Louis Trintignant’s role in the film?
Jean-Louis Trintignant provided the voice of the narrator. This was his final film performance. Hazanavicius described his recitation of the text, aimed at children, to be a “moral testament.” He also stated that despite being ill and blind at the time, Trintignant “had to memorize the text.”
## What is Hazanavicius’s next project?
Hazanavicius’s next project will be a science fiction film based on the book ’The Third Hand,’ for which he is currently writing the script.
## Key Aspects of ‘The Most Precious Merchandise’
Here’s a summary table of key elements:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Michel Hazanavicius |
| based on | Jean-Claude Grumberg’s book |
| Genre | Animated Holocaust drama |
| Focus | “Righteous” individuals and their acts of heroism |
| Animation Style | Classic style inspired by 19th-century French painting and Japanese prints |
| Narrator | Jean-Louis Trintignant (final performance) |
| Release Date (Spain) | July 11 |
| Theme | Humanity’s potential for good, the power of individual choice |