Isidore Isou's Scandalous Film 'Traité de bave et d'éternité' Revisited

On August 20, 1951, Isidore Isou unveiled his film 'Traité de bave et d'éternité' at Cannes as part of a fringe event. Drawing inspiration from Dada and futurism, the film served as a political statement, crafting alternative cinematic realities. Isou presented a chaotic blend of visuals, featuring himself on Boulevard Saint-Germain, snippets of military footage, and gymnastic routines intertwined with a love narrative. He sought to achieve a jarring effect by mismatching the audio and visuals. This innovative work paved the way for filmmakers like Debord and Godard, showcasing a bricolage that continues to resonate. After thirty minutes, Isou's voice in the credits hints at a more humorous second segment, complemented by improvised lettrist choruses that form a conceptual art dance. Written by Jean-Marc Chapoulie.