Three Popular Films by Jean-Pierre Gorin (Criterion Collection - Eclipse Series 31)

French filmmaker Jean-Pierre Gorin relocated to America for this Southern California trilogy of documentaries. First, "Poto and Babengo" (1980) follows Gracie and Ginny, two young twin girls from San Diego, living mostly cut off from society who develop their own language that's a hybrid of English and German. As Gorin investigates their lives, he simultaneously examines conformity in America. Then, in "Routine Pleasures" (1986), Gorin draws parallels between the work of film critic and painter Manny Farber and a group of obsessive model train enthusiasts in a meditative tribute to America's hobbies. Finally, "My Crasy Life" (1992) is an intense portrait of Samoan street gangs in L.A., infused with some scripted fiction, that probes into the rules of this "closed community" and offers a unique take on violence and displacement. 4 hrs. total on three discs. Standard; Soundtrack: English PCM mono.