With the approach of the new millennium, there are initiatives everywhere to make sure this moment does not pass unnoticed. For instance the French TV channel La Sept developed a series of eight films in which directors, among them Tsai Ming-liang, will reflect on the condition humaine at the start of the new era, under the title ‘2000 vu par’: ‘2000 seen by’ (see also Tamás et Juli van Ildiko Enyedi).The first in the series has been made by the French débutante Laurent Cantet. Les Sanguinaires is a simple and effective parable about the impossibility of ignoring the achievements of civilisation. Protagonist François is determined to get away from the hectic round of celebrations. With his friends – and their children of all ages – he rents an island off the coast of Corsica. The adventure starts badly when the island’s ‘caretaker’, Stephane, turns up too late to greet his guests. In addition, the accommodation on the island is only intended for summer use. While most of the guests, charmed by Stephane, make do with the Spartan conditions, François withdraws more and more. He seems to think there is a strange bond between Stephane and the island. When the countdown starts on New Year’s Eve, tension reaches its peak.
