Review of “À propos de Nice” (1930)
Different social classes and their activities (particularly the rich on vacation) in Nice, a banal city in southern France.
Social commentary, shot by Dziga Vertov’s brother, partly from a wheelchair where the camera could be hidden. If anyone noticed that camera, the footage was scrapped to ensure realism.
Clever montage, surreal animation and other tricks ensure a subversive atmosphere. Basically Vertov adapted to a meaningful political agenda, at appropriate length.