The Théorie des ensembles (Theory of groups) is a tale. How can we classify the animals in Noah's Ark? The philosophical problem is told to children and takes us up to the "mathematical deluge". Pictures and text alternate in succession on the infographic screen. Each time, Chris Marker makes a small statement the importance of which appears by the logical connection in which it participates. This tale, apparently simple, takes us into a universe where there is a composite way of thinking; it stems from bringing Snoopy and Albrecht Dürer together, Marc Chagall, Jérôme Bosch, the Unicorn Lady's rabbits... Eccentric declaration is the poetical process by means of which Chris Marker initiates us into the theory of groups, thanks to the wisdom of owls. The caprices of Alfred Schnitke's music bring drama to the tale. Between the picture, text and music, there is a diverting spontaneity without the three elements ever fusing; they tend to play against one another, emphasising the joys of variety and ill-assorted elements.

Paul-Emmanuel Odin