Around a Small Mountain

2009 Drama

Jacques Rivette co-wrote and directed this intimate story of familial bonds and the life of the artist. Kate (Jane Birkin) was raised on the road, touring with the small circus run by her father, but after a disagreement she left her dad to run the show on his own. Fifteen years later, Kate gets word that her father has died, and his partners in the circus ask her to come back to help keep the show running. To the surprise of many, Kate agrees, taking care of the box office and looking after the business. While traveling to the next show, Kate's car breaks down, but she gets a ride from Vittorio (Sergio Castellitto), a good-natured drifter. Vittorio sticks around to attend the show, and despite the shabby circumstances of the performance, he enjoys what he sees and becomes part of the company. But as Vittorio is integrated into the circus family and develops a relationship with Kate, it's still not clear why she and her father parted ways years before, and why she's come back now that he's gone. 36 Vues du Pic Saint-Loup (aka Around a Small Mountain) received its world premiere at the 2009 Venice International Film Festival. more..

Director: Jacques Rivette

Starring: Jane Birkin,Sergio Castellitto, André Marcon, Jacques Bonnaffé, Julie-Marie Parmentier

Reviews

  • At under 90 minutes, Around a Small Mountain is, by Mr. Rivetteâ??s standards, a small vignette. It could have been â?"--and perhaps was -- part of something longer and more complex, but it stands as perfectly on its own as Pic St.-Loup, marvelous to contemplate and changing slightly every time you see it.

    A.O. Scott - The New York Times

    19 January 2013

  • It's all slight enough to blow away, and rare enough to warrant seeing it before it does.

    Nick Pinkerton - Village Voice

    19 January 2013

  • This 2009 feature is as precious as it sounds but also irresistibly charming. If youâ??re a newcomer to the oeuvre of New Wave hero Jacques Rivette, this is a highly accessible port of entry.

    Cliff Doerksen - Chicago Reader

    19 January 2013

  • If you want an introduction to the director's work, you're better off with "La Belle Noiseuse" (1991) and his masterpiece, "Celine and Julie Go Boating" (1974).

    V.A. Musetto - New York Post

    19 January 2013

  • Will interest Rivette admirers at fests and in the niche arena but will do nothing to broaden his appeal.

    - Variety

    19 January 2013

Awards

  • Best Actor (Migliore Attore Protagonista)

    Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists (2010)

     
  • Jacques Rivette

    Venice Film Festival (2009)