A literal translation of the French title would be Unusual America and this seems to more appropriately hint at the mondo movie precursor we have here. I'm not sure about the director's many other documentaries but here there is no attempt to engage with anyone, this is simple a series of visuals, unusual and not so unusual. There are some fantastic looking visuals and all in those wondrous 1950s Technicolor tints. There are far too many ice-creams and hot-dogs, processions and competitions but plenty of glorious hoardings and roadside diners too. There is mention of Chris Marker and Jean Cocteau with regard to he commentary but I feel their input must have been minimal because this really lets the piece down. Here is a pompous Frenchman pointing out US silliness and spouting faux psychological insights whilst capturing really quite fine moments in amongst the dross. Well worth seeing but maybe next time I'll watch without that rubbish commentary.
