Of Great Events and Ordinary People (1980)

This 1978 documentary examines the French elections through the perspective of a Chilean exile in Paris. Disappointed by the unexpected election results, director Ruiz uses the opportunity to prioritize his artistic vision over straightforward political reporting. The film unfolds as a complex series of digressions, reminiscent of Ruiz's experimental work from the 1960s. The documentary prioritizes the filmmaking process itself, with political events becoming secondary. By the end, the election outcome is ambiguous, suggesting the film’s true subject is the intricate creation of the movie rather than the events it portrays. This compelling documentary offers a unique look at filmmaking while subtly questioning traditional political storytelling.