It is not a stretch to say music has become increasingly dependent on computers for decades. This is not to say it has become more mechanical or lost its ability to affect listeners. The beat songs can still capture emotion even if they were not composed in front of a piano. It is more a commentary on how the changing times have changed music.
Movies about music have not gone that route for the most part. Unless it is for comedic or satirical purposes, film almost always shows musicians using more traditional instruments. Le Choc du Futur is a nice change of pace. The movie follows a day in the life of Ana Klimova, a jingle writer in late 1970s Paris who is beginning to see new musical possibilities.
Director Marc Collin lovingly captures the new music that would soon conquer the pop charts. This is done not quite in a way the expected way, however. There are numerous shots that worship the knobs and dials used to create what would become electronica. The amazing soundtrack almost takes a background to the adoring shots of the equipment. This does not take away from the music but it certainly stands out.
The story is not quite as groundbreaking as the music. Le Choc du Futur is content to tell a basic tale of resisting change. Ana tries to get others to understand the upcoming musical change, but the old guard refuses to see it. Colin wants to tell a story with a feminist slant, but it never quite gets there. Neither Ana nor the men in the film are fleshed out enough to give the struggle its just due.
The film is at its best when it lets Ana have fun with the music she loves so much. Her passion comes through and the generational gap is clearly defined. The impact of women on electronic music is a fascinating story that needs to be told. The great soundtrack gives gives an idea of the impact of the music. Le Choc du Futur hits some of the right beats, it is just slightly out of tune.
Le Choc du Futur will be available to rent and own November 10.
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