Un Relatif Horaire No.3 (1980)

This experimental short film, made at the University of Paris 8, presents a distinctive style of filmmaking and storytelling. The story unfolds in downtown Paris, near Place de la Bastille, using the city's constant construction as a key element. The film follows one man as he walks through construction and demolition sites, with the screen split into four equal sections. Using masks and varying frame speeds, the director creates the illusion of the same man moving at different paces. This results in a surreal look at time, space, and movement within a city undergoing constant change. The simple story is enhanced by the unchanging screen layout, emphasizing the film's interest in design over conventional narrative. The contrast between the man’s steady walk and the chaotic construction underscores the fleeting nature of urban life, prompting viewers to consider their own place in a world of constant transformation.