Picture 10: The Life of Emile Zola (1937)

1937 takes us to 1862 Paris where apparently the writer Emile Zola was sharing a flat with Paul Cezanne. Imagine the talent in that flat and their deep conversations - must have been so much fun!

Spurned on by the inequalities of industrial capitalism, Zola writes non-fiction prolifically and becomes one of the preeminent European authors of his time. He also uses his literary skills to wage an honourable legal battle to free Alfred Dreyfus - unjustly accused of spying for Germany in the Franco-Prussian war.

The result for Emile is a nobel prize, a mansion and an amazing life worth making an Oscar winning film about 35 years after his death. It holds the attention for brief periods and is at times gripping. I did however often find myself counting down the minutes until the end credits. It's also headed for a six - a quarter finalist as things stand.

Reflections on the human condition:

1. The pursuit of truth reduces cognitive dissonance and suffering.

2. Tomorrow is never guaranteed.

Rating 6/10:

Oscar Best Picture Rankings:

1. All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

2. Wings (1928)

3. Mutiny on the Bounty (1935)

4. Cimarron (1931)

5. Grand Hotel (1932)

6. It Happened One Night (1934)

7. Cavalcade (1933)

8. The Life of Emile Zola (1937)

9. The Great Ziegfeld (1936)

10. The Broadway Melody (1929)