Film scholar Peter Cowie’s commentary mainly focuses on why Hiroshima Mon Amour is a masterpiece according to its historical context by way of its production history and symbolism. Mostly Cowie spends his time discussing Renais’ collaboration with his screenwriter Duras after Renais decided not to direct his Hiroshima documentary. Cowie also delves in Renais’ usage of camera angles and his achievements in editing, which is partly what makes the film a masterpiece. Cowie also gives some attention to the making of the soundtrack. For about a quarter of the time, the commentator breaks down the visual metaphors of the film. Mainly, what the listeners get is that the two lovers want to connect with each other but can’t because of their personal and national history. The film itself works as an unraveling of memory.

Overall, Peter Cowie dissects the film visually and historically very well. His commentary is well organized and researched. Anyone without any previous knowledge of the film, and anyone stumped by it, can listen to Cowie’s commentary and shut off their TV screen enlightened.

October 2007

Densely packed, and well-researched track. Cowie breaks down the film to its details, talks about the production, Resnais, aesthetics, the film structure, and how the film inspired other films and filmmakers. There are occasional moments where he brings up esotericism into the film but he doesn't go overboard with it. If you like arthouse cinema to be broken down and analyzed then this is one of those tracks.