SauvageEtBeauPosterIntroduction

“Sauvage Et Beau” is a wildlife documentary film by French director Frédéric Rossif for which Vangelis composed an original score. The film premiered in cinemas in France on the 12th of December 1984, and together with “La Fête Sauvage” (1976) is one of the most successful productions by Rossif.

The film is a collage of scenes of animals in their natural habitat, filmed in the typical style of Rossif (in a.o. Argentina, Canada, Venezuela, Botswana and Zimbabwe) and accompanied by a poetic dialogue and a lush melodic (and sometimes dramatic) score by Vangelis. About one hour of music is heard in the film, all of it mixed in mono as is the case with all of Rossif’s documentaries. Fortunately the beautiful main theme (as heard in both the opening and end titles) was officially released (in stereo) on the compilation album “Portraits” (1996). The rest of the (unreleased) score deserves a proper soundtrack release!

Unfortunately the film itself is not so easy to find, as after its initial screening in cinemas it has only been released on VHS video cassettes, all of which are of sub-optimal quality. A shorter edit of the film was released in VHS in the US titled "Savage And Beautiful", narrated in English by actor Donald Sutherland. Even though Sauvage Et Beau is known to have been broadcast on television, good recordings are rare and difficult to find. This film really deserves a decent transfer and release in a digital format! 

 

Details and credits

  • Title: Sauvage Et Beau
  • Year: 1984
  • Country: France
  • Length: 86 minutes
  • Format: 35 mm
  • Directed by Frédéric Rossif.
  • Assisted by Jean-Charles Cuttoli.
  • Music by Vangelis.
  • Text: Jacques Trémolin.
  • Dialogue: Richard Berry
  • Director of photography: Daniel Barrau
  • Camera: Yves Pouffary
  • Sound engineers: Renato Girometta and Jean Umanski.
  • Mixing: Elvire Lerner
  • Scenario by Frédéric Rossif and Jacques Trémolin.
  • Editing: Dominique Caseneuve
  • Production assistents: Florence Quentin and Ingrid Richon.
  • Production director: Michelle Wiart
  • Produced by Téle-Hachette
  • Co-produced by C.D.G, FR3 and Parafrance.

 

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VHS

 

SauvageEtBeauVHSFrontSynopsis

"Sauvage Et Beau", directed by the renowned French filmmaker Frédéric Rossif, is a visually poetic documentary that transcends traditional storytelling. The film’s title, translating to 'Wild and Beautiful', encapsulates its essence—a cinematic ode to the untamed splendor of the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it. 

Rossif, celebrated for his lyrical and impressionistic approach to documentary filmmaking, abandons conventional narrative structures in favor of a free-flowing, meditative journey. The film unfolds as a series of breathtaking vignettes, each capturing the raw, unspoiled beauty of diverse landscapes—from the vast expanse of African savannas to the icy solitude of Arctic tundras, and the lush density of tropical rainforests. 

The documentary’s power lies in its ability to immerse the viewer in the sights and sounds of nature, mediated by a poetic voiceover and didactic commentary. Rossif’s camera lingers on the intimate details of animal behavior and the grandeur of natural phenomena, inviting contemplation and wonder. The film’s visual language is rich and evocative, with sweeping aerial shots juxtaposed against intimate close-ups, creating a sense of both scale and intimacy.

Sauvage Et Beau is not merely a catalog of natural wonders; it is a celebration of life’s interconnectedness. Rossif presents animals in their natural habitats, neither romanticizing nor sensationalizing their existence. The film’s quiet observation allows the viewer to witness the rhythms of life, death, and renewal, underscoring the delicate balance that sustains ecosystems.

The film’s soundtrack, composed by the legendary Vangelis, is integral to its emotional resonance. Vangelis’s ethereal, synth-driven score complements the visuals, enhancing the film’s meditative quality. The music swells and recedes, mirroring the ebb and flow of nature, and elevating the viewing experience to something akin to a symphony of sight and sound.

Sauvage et Beau is a testament to Rossif’s belief in the power of images to convey profound truths. By eschewing traditional documentary techniques, he creates a space for the viewer to engage with the natural world on a deeply personal level.  In an era where documentaries often prioritize information and advocacy, Sauvage Et Beau stands out for its artistry and its ability to inspire awe. It is a film that does not seek to educate or persuade, but to evoke a sense of wonder and connection. For those willing to surrender to its rhythms, Sauvage Et Beau offers a transformative experience—a reminder of the wild, beautiful world that exists beyond the confines of human civilization.

 

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Gallery

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