Director Watch Podcast Examines Chantal Akerman's Debut 'Je Tu Il Elle'

Co-hosts Ryan McQuade and Jay Ledbetter dive into the experimental first film from the acclaimed director.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 10:55am

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On the latest episode of the Director Watch Podcast, co-hosts Ryan McQuade and Jay Ledbetter discuss Chantal Akerman's 1974 debut feature film 'Je Tu Il Elle'. The hosts break down their thoughts on the thought-provoking and patient debut, Akerman's use of form, and how the film serves as an appetizer for their next deep dive into her acclaimed second feature 'Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles'.

Why it matters

Chantal Akerman is considered one of the most influential filmmakers of the 20th century, with her second feature 'Jeanne Dielman' often cited as the greatest film of all time. This podcast episode provides an in-depth look at the beginnings of Akerman's groundbreaking career, exploring her experimental style and the themes that would come to define her work.

The details

In the episode, McQuade and Ledbetter break down Akerman's debut feature 'Je Tu Il Elle', which follows a young woman's journey of self-discovery and her attempts to connect with others. The hosts analyze Akerman's patient, minimalist approach, her use of the cinematic form, and how the film lays the groundwork for the director's acclaimed later works.

  • The Director Watch Podcast episode was released on January 30, 2026.

The players

Chantal Akerman

A Belgian filmmaker considered one of the most influential directors of the 20th century, known for her experimental and minimalist style.

Ryan McQuade

The Executive Editor of AwardsWatch and co-host of the Director Watch Podcast, covering director filmographies and the work of cinema's greatest auteurs.

Jay Ledbetter

The co-host of the Director Watch Podcast with Ryan McQuade, a finance manager by day and a film critic by night based in Atlanta, Georgia.

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What they’re saying

“Welcome back to Director Watch! On this AwardsWatch podcast, the boys attempt to break down, analyze, and ultimately, get inside the mind of some of cinema's greatest auteurs.”

— Ryan McQuade, Co-host, Director Watch Podcast (AwardsWatch)

“As thought provoking and patient of a debut feature as you will ever see, the boys breakdown their thoughts on the film, off the cuff Top 10 for the Sight and Sound list if they were ever asked, their marvel of Akerman's use of the form, what eating pure sugar from a bag must be like, and how this film is the appetizer for the meal that is Jeanne Dielman on next week's show.”

— Jay Ledbetter, Co-host, Director Watch Podcast (AwardsWatch)

What’s next

Next week, the Director Watch Podcast will continue their series on Chantal Akerman with a review of her acclaimed second feature 'Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles'.

The takeaway

This episode of the Director Watch Podcast provides an insightful exploration of the beginnings of Chantal Akerman's groundbreaking career, setting the stage for a deeper dive into her most celebrated work and cementing her status as one of cinema's most influential auteurs.