Season 1 • Episode 2
LatestThe French government’s patience has worn out and a plan to crush the commune begins
In this war drama blurring the lines between documentary and fiction, the working class and the bourgeoisie of 19th century Paris are interviewed and covered on television, before and during a tragic workers' class revolt.
Direction
Watkins invented the fake documentary. This is his masterpiece.
Acting
Non-professionals playing ancestors, bleeding authenticity.
Editing
TV crew interrupting history creates delicious meta-tension.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Watkins made this after being blacklisted by the BBC for 'The War Game'—his entire career is revenge against respectable television.
The cast were actual Parisian workers and students; several discovered their ancestors fought in the Commune during filming.
FR
