Every decade, the British Film Institute (BFI) publishes its highly anticipated list of the “Greatest Films of All Time.” The rankings are based on a comprehensive poll of 1,639 critics, filmmakers, archivists, and cinephiles, each submitting their personal top ten. For years, the list was dominated by American classics like Citizen Kane and Vertigo, films that became synonymous with cinematic greatness. But in 2022, a stunning shift occurred. For the first time ever, the number one spot was claimed by a French-language film. Even more astonishing was the fact that this masterpiece came from a female director.
A French-Belgian Film Takes the Crown
The film that made history was Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles, a 1975 work by Belgian filmmaker Chantal Akerman. Not only did it dethrone iconic films like Citizen Kane, but it also marked a significant moment in cinema history, celebrating a film created by a woman. This monumental achievement was a long-overdue recognition of Akerman’s unique cinematic vision, which had often been overlooked in mainstream discussions.
For many, Jeanne Dielman is a film that reveals the hidden undercurrents of everyday life, challenging the conventional ways we think about narrative structure and film form. Akerman’s choice to center the story around the life of an ordinary housewife is as revolutionary as it is powerful.
A Groundbreaking Exploration of Women’s Lives in the 1970s
Released in January 1976, Jeanne Dielman left a profound impact on audiences with its quiet yet intense examination of the female experience during the 1970s—and, in many ways, even today. The film takes place within the confines of Jeanne’s apartment, where her routine is depicted with almost obsessive attention to detail. Each scene unfolds slowly, capturing the seemingly mundane tasks of daily life. Cooking, cleaning, and caring for her son form the film’s repetitive rhythm. Yet, beneath the surface, a tension builds as the audience begins to realize that Jeanne’s life is not as simple as it first appears.
What makes Jeanne Dielman so compelling is its subtle exploration of the emotional weight carried by women—particularly the emotional and mental labor of housewives. Long before this issue became a focal point of public discussion, Akerman was highlighting the invisible, relentless tasks that often go unrecognized. Jeanne’s life is far from ordinary; she is also a prostitute who works from her home to provide for her family. The film’s title, with its specific address, anchors Jeanne’s reality in a way that makes her situation all the more palpable.
Filming the Everyday with Documentarian Precision
What truly sets Jeanne Dielman apart, however, is Akerman’s directorial approach. Eschewing the fast-paced cuts and dramatic flourishes typical of mainstream cinema, she takes a documentary-like approach to the everyday. The camera lingers on simple actions—making coffee, ironing clothes, setting the table—capturing them with meticulous detail. Through this unflinching focus on the ordinary, Akerman transforms the banal into something extraordinary. Each shot feels deliberate and meaningful, creating a sense of foreboding that gradually intensifies.
Delphine Seyrig, the film’s lead actress, was already an accomplished star, but her performance as Jeanne was a revelation. Seyrig, a feminist icon in her own right, had long been frustrated by the limited roles available to women in cinema. She sought more than just a career in front of the camera; she wanted to tell stories from a female perspective. After working with Akerman, Seyrig went on to direct her own groundbreaking documentary, Sois belle et tais-toi, in which she interviews 23 actresses about their experiences in the male-dominated film industry—a daring exploration of gender dynamics in cinema, decades before the #MeToo movement.
Chantal Akerman: A Director Who Redefined Cinema
The recognition of Jeanne Dielman by the British Film Institute is not just a nod to the film itself, but a tribute to Akerman’s broader impact on cinema. Her approach to storytelling—taking the time to explore the minute details of daily life and imbuing them with meaning—has influenced generations of filmmakers. Akerman showed that film could be a medium for profound reflection on the human experience, even in the most seemingly mundane of moments.
Although Jeanne Dielman struggled for years to gain mainstream recognition, it has since become a touchstone in the conversation about women in film. Today, Chantal Akerman is widely regarded as one of the most influential directors of her generation, and her work continues to inspire filmmakers around the world.
This historic ranking by the BFI not only elevates Jeanne Dielman but also reaffirms the importance of diverse voices in cinema. For too long, the contributions of women filmmakers were overshadowed by their male counterparts. Akerman’s victory symbolizes a shift toward recognizing and celebrating these voices, offering a powerful reminder of how much there still is to discover in the world of film.
Conclusion
For those who have yet to experience Jeanne Dielman, it’s time to change that. This film is not just a masterpiece of feminist cinema but a groundbreaking work that defies expectations and challenges the very nature of what film can be. It’s a quiet, unsettling exploration of a woman’s life, rendered with a documentary-like precision that makes every moment resonate. Whether you’re a cinephile or a casual viewer, this hidden gem deserves your attention, and its impact will stay with you long after the credits roll.
In the world of cinema, Jeanne Dielman is the greatest film you’ve never heard of—until now.