Film Lens
Le Temps des bouffons is a short film by Québécois director Pierre Falardeau, created in 1985 but not shown until 1993. The film compares English colonial rule in Ghana with Canadian dominance in Quebec, using the 200th anniversary celebration of the Beaver Club of Montreal as a focal point. Through scenes of the Canadian elite in pseudo-Colonial costumes, Falardeau narrates with a slow and angry tone, critiquing the celebratory atmosphere of the event.
The film's content is marked by its political commentary, as Falardeau juxtaposes the laughter and toasting of the Canadian élite with the historical context of colonialism. The 15-minute runtime captures the absurdity of the celebration while addressing the wider effects of colonial power dynamics, particularly in the context of Quebec's relationship with Canada.
Why Watch
- •See Pierre Falardeau's critique of Canadian colonialism.
- •Find out about the Beaver Club's 200th anniversary.
- •Meet the Canadian élite in pseudo-Colonial costumes.
Did You Know
•Le Temps des bouffons was created in 1985 but not shown until 1993.
•The film features the 200th anniversary celebration of the Beaver Club of Montreal.
•Pierre Falardeau narrates the film in a slow and angry tone.
•The film has a duration of 15 minutes.
Perfect For
Canadian historyColonialism studiesQuebec nationalism