Theme: Realism
This film follows the daily life of an Algerian man named Omar Gatlato, who lives in the Bab el-Oued quarter of Algiers. While it is not a documentary, it is based on reality, as is say in the opening credits. The cameras follow him on his way to work, when he is out for a drink with his friends, and when he attends a Hindu movie. It shows his living conditions-a crowded house full of children and relatives-and his workplace-a jewelry appraising business. The main point of the film is his desire to meet the woman with the beautiful voice he hears in a cassette his friend gives him. It is set in the seventies, so it was after the Algerian War of Independence.
In one review, the film is described as "the film examines with shrewd humor the gang values of urban youth; their passion for popular culture (soccer, "Hindoo" movies, Rai concerts), their hidden fear of women, and their social insecurity in an environment where they are marginalized."
I personally saw very little of any of that-perhaps I am blind to the subtle twists and turns of the film, or perhaps there simply were no twists and turns. I don't know. To me, there was very little plot or rising action, but the camera strategies and frank dialogue painted a very clear picture in regards to one mans' life.
