I will not waste your time by elaborating on the qualities of this original and witty film. Others have already done that, and everyone can see for themselves. But for all the cinematographic brilliance, I have to admit to a little (well, a bit more than that actually) vexation about the little Zazie's whims. Frankly, I find her a conceited, spoilt, little loudmouth, and this substantially diminished my pleasure watching the film. Her behaviour is unbearable even by today's standards, but extraordinary by those of 1960. Looked from that angle, 'Zazie dans le métro' is not only a brilliantly crafted film, but also a prophetic and emblematic one. In the second half of the 20th century, the child became the focal point of attention (in the western world at least), and this film shows this as few others.
Review of Zazie in the Metro
