Denys Arcand and his films. Any fans?  

Born on June 25, 1941 in Deschambault, Quebec, Denys Arcand has made many films during his 65 years. His first film "Seul ou avec d'autres (Alone or With Others)" came out in 1962, when he was only 21 years old (my age!). After studying history at the University of Motnreal, he started working at the National Film Board of Canada, where he made documentaries. One of these documentaries, "On est au coton (we are in the cotton - not sure if this translation makes sense)" which he finished in 1970, was deemed to be so controversial that it did not come out until 1976. After another documentary on the recent history of Quebec ("Quebec: Duplessis et apres" -Quebec: Duplessis and after(1972)), he started focusing on fiction and produced many films that were well received. "Le declin de l'empire americain" (The decline of the american empire) (1986) brought him international acclaim, and "Les invasions barbares (the barbarian invasions)" (2003) won an Academy Award in 2004 for best foreign language film, along with more than 23 other festival awards, including Cannes. His next film, "L'Age des tenebres" (don't know how to translate) comes out next year.
I saw first saw "The Decline of the American Empire" in one of my film classes. This film, about a bunch of middle-aged academics who get together for a dinner party, tackles many taboo subjects (especially for the 80s) - mostly dealing with sexuality - AIDS, extra-marital sex, homosexuality, unconventional bedroom behavious, multiple sex partners, etc. One of the interesting things I find, is how frnakly the women talk to each other while not in presence of the men, the men talk to each other when the women aren't there, and then when they get together and the men and women are both there, they can't discuss any of it - they suddenly become very proper. This film is greatly entertaining and interesting, and I highly recommend it.
I haven't seen his most recent film "The Barabarian Invasions", but I would very much like to see it. Has anyone else seen it? Reccommend? No?