‘Writing Life’ Director Claire Simon on Trusting Young People and Why Nobel Literature Prize Winner Annie Ernaux ‘Is Just Like George Clooney’ 

In her latest documentary, “Writing Life – Annie Ernaux Through the Eyes of High School Students,” acclaimed director Claire Simon embarks on a unique cinematic exploration of literature and youth. Rather than crafting a conventional portrait of Nobel Literature Prize winner Annie Ernaux, Simon turns her lens to French high school students as they engage with Ernaux’s powerful, autobiographical works. This unconventional approach highlights Simon’s deep trust in young people and offers a fresh perspective on the impact of a literary giant, whom Simon playfully describes as “just like George Clooney” in terms of celebrity.

The Unseen Portrait: Ernaux Through Student Eyes

Claire Simon’s “Writing Life” deliberately eschews the typical artist’s profile, focusing instead on the profound resonance of Annie Ernaux’s writing with a younger generation. Simon explains that her intention was “to tell this story without Annie Ernaux, only using her books.” This decision stems from her belief that many artist portraits fail to truly showcase the art itself. By observing students reading and discussing Ernaux’s texts, the film allows viewers to “really focus on her sentences.”

Annie Ernaux, awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2022, is renowned for her autobiographical works that delve into personal memory, societal structures, and the female experience, often written in a direct, unadorned “flat” style. Her celebrated books include “The Years,” “A Girl’s Story,” and “Happening,” the latter of which was adapted into an award-winning film. Simon was confident that young people would respond to Ernaux’s “very modern” and honest writing, and the documentary proves her right. Students are shown reacting with genuine engagement, sometimes even shock, to Ernaux’s candid discussions of everyday life, sexuality, and class. The act of hearing girls read passages from “A Girl’s Story,” which details a difficult sexual encounter from Ernaux’s youth, lends immense power to the words, creating what Simon calls the “best ‘adaptation’ you could hope for.”

Ernaux’s Star Power: “Just Like George Clooney”

Despite Ernaux’s absence from the documentary’s main narrative, the Nobel laureate did join Simon for the film’s world premiere at the Venice Film Festival. This unexpected appearance led Simon to a memorable observation: “people love fame and celebrities, and Annie Ernaux is just like George Clooney.” This seemingly lighthearted comparison carries a deeper meaning for Simon, who views documentaries as “the movies of the people.” She emphasizes that filmmaking doesn’t require immense wealth or celebrity figures to be impactful, advocating for accessible cinema, especially in times when she believes “fascism is everywhere.” Her statement underscores a belief in the inherent power of ordinary stories and voices, particularly those of young people, to create meaningful cinema.

Trusting the Youth: A Filmmaker’s Approach

Throughout “Writing Life,” Claire Simon emerges as a strong advocate for young people, genuinely invested in their thoughts and perspectives. She notes that the students readily trusted her because they sensed her sincere interest, a simple yet powerful dynamic. This trust is a cornerstone of her documentary filmmaking, as evidenced by a past experience recounted from her film “Young Solitude.” A boy in that film, despite crying while being filmed, later expressed deep trust in Simon, attributing it to her attentive and caring approach to every child. Simon’s philosophy revolves around a “loving” approach to her subjects, likening herself to painters like Renoir or Monet who adored their models, rather than exploiting them.

Simon’s method involves creating a comfortable space where individuals feel empowered to share their stories. In “Writing Life,” she facilitated discussions by simply asking students to talk about the books on their own, outside of formal classroom settings. She was “amazed” by their eloquence, strength, and passion. This approach allows the film to capture authentic connections between the students’ lives and Ernaux’s texts, exploring themes like female sexuality, social class, and personal agency.

A Changing Landscape for Female Filmmakers

Simon also reflects on her own journey as a female director, acknowledging the difficulties she faced in earlier times. She shares anecdotes illustrating the different expectations and challenges women in the film industry once encountered. However, she expresses renewed optimism and faith in the current generation of young people, especially girls. In the post-#MeToo era, she observes that “these young people, these girls, are clever and strong. They will never surrender. They’ll never let those guys win.” This sentiment underscores her belief in the enduring strength and resilience of youth to drive societal progress.

Conclusion

Claire Simon’s “Writing Life – Annie Ernaux Through the Eyes of High School Students” is more than just a documentary about literature; it’s a testament to the power of engagement, the universality of profound writing, and the insightful perspectives of young minds. By choosing to focus on the impact of Annie Ernaux’s work rather than the author herself, Simon champions the idea that art truly lives in its reception. Her trust in young people, her dedication to authentic storytelling, and her belief in an accessible, people-centric cinema shine through, offering a compelling and hopeful vision for both filmmaking and future generations.