THE PATIENTS

THE PATIENTS (LES PATIENTS), 1990

France| BluRay, Black & White, 75’ |French

Director: Claire Simon
Cast: Jean-Marie Bouvier

This documentary, which is Claire Simon’s debut film, is about a retiring doctor’s exemplary relationship with his patients. With his thick-rimmed glasses, dark suit, and congenial personality, Dr. Bouvier, who works in a small provincial town, is like a character from a novel. His devotion to his work, the love and compassion he shows his patients, and his non-judgmental attitude regardless of who he is dealing with virtually rub off on the director’s film. Just like the way Bouvier approaches his patients, Claire Simon too approaches the subject matter with curiosity, love, and a sense of humor. The documentary is notable above all for the way it approaches the intricate nature of humanity.