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7.1/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 7.1/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Prix et profits, la pomme de terre remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you’re the kind of person who gets a kick out of watching 1930s-era industrial footage, then yeah, sure. It’s a niche pick. If you want high-octane thrills, stick to something like Red Hot Romance instead. This isn't a blockbuster; it's a history lesson with a camera.
The whole thing feels like someone decided, "You know what? We need to know who makes money off this potato." It’s oddly specific, right? They really lean into the logistics.
There's this rhythm to the editing that feels like a heartbeat. It’s not flashy at all. It’s just very matter-of-fact. You watch these farmers and you can almost smell the dirt on their hands. 🥔
The narrator has that specific tone from the era—very authoritative, very sure of everything. Sometimes it’s a bit much. I caught myself zoning out during a bit about wholesale margins, but then the footage of the markets brought me right back.
It reminded me a bit of the pacing in Mania. Die Geschichte einer Zigarettenarbeiterin, where the work itself is the main character. You aren't watching for a hero's journey. You're watching for the process.
Small details that caught my eye:
The film doesn't care if you're bored. It just tells you how the potato moves. It’s almost refreshing that it doesn't try to make it all dramatic or cinematic. It’s just... potatoes.
I wouldn't call it a masterpiece, but it’s a time capsule. It feels honest in a way that modern documentaries about food often aren't. They’re too busy trying to be clever or shocking. This one? It just wants to show you the ledger.
Definitely not for everyone. You might find it as dull as watching The Living Corpse if you aren't into the subject. But if you dig deep cuts, this is a weirdly grounding watch.