Is The Lives of Albert Camus Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

📖 The Core Premise

The Lives of Albert Camus returns to the screen in 2020, bringing a fresh narrative to the Documentary, History genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Albert Camus died at 46 years old on January 4, 1960, two years after his Nobel Prize in literature. Author of “L'Etranger”, one of the most widely read novels in the world, philosopher of the absurd and of revolt, resistant, journalist, playwright, Albert Camus had an extraordinary destiny. Child of the poor districts of Algiers, tuberculosis patient, orphan of father, son of an illiterate and deaf mother, he tore himself away from his condition thanks to his teacher. French from Algeria, he never ceased to fight for equality with the Arabs and the Kabyle, while fearing the Independence of the FLN. Founded on restored and colorized archives, and first-hand accounts, this documentary attempts to paint the portrait of Camus as he was."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. The performance by Philippe Torreton is a highlight, bringing a palpable intensity to the screen. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Lives of Albert Camus worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary, History films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 2020, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, The Lives of Albert Camus is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 98 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.