Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator

Director's Spotlight: France
A Deep Dive into the 1933 Vision of Leo Mittler
In the grand tapestry of Comedy cinema, Amour et publicité serves as a bridge between the bold experimentation that has become synonymous with Leo Mittler. Breaking the traditional rules of Comedy engagement, it highlights the importance of independent voices in France.
In Amour et publicité, Leo Mittler pushes the boundaries of conventional narrative. The film's unique approach to its subject matter has sparked endless debates and interpretations among cinephiles and critics alike.
The visual language of Amour et publicité is defined by its use of shadows and framing, a hallmark of Leo Mittler's style. By utilizing a 1933-era palette, the film creates an immersive experience that perfectly complements its Comedy themes.
| Cinematography | Static |
| Soundtrack | Minimalist |
| Editing | Disjunctive |
| Art Direction | Baroque |
Visualizing the convergence of Leo Mittler's style and the core Comedy narrative.
The managing director of a Paris department store has a bright idea: replacing the dummies in the windows by living models. Three of his employees accept to spend their days in front of eager onlookers: Lucie posing as the newly married lady, her real-life fiancé as her young husband and Henry as Lucie's lover, while presenting the various goods sold in the store. Well, "posing" is not the right term because reality soon proves stronger than (commercial) fiction.
Decades after its release, Amour et publicité remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Leo Mittler's status as a master of the craft in France and beyond.