Agenor is Picking Up

Plot

Agenor is Picking Up follows the misadventures of a young French delivery boy named Agenor who works for a small shop in Paris. His daily routine of making deliveries becomes increasingly complicated when he encounters a series of flirtatious and seductive female customers who attempt to charm him during his rounds. Each delivery presents a new comedic situation where the women employ various tactics to delay him or invite him inside, testing his professional resolve and youthful innocence. The film builds through a series of episodic encounters, each becoming more daring than the last, as Agenor struggles to complete his deliveries while navigating these amorous advances. The climax occurs when Agenor finally learns to play along with the flirtations, turning the tables on his customers with his own clever responses. The short film concludes with Agenor returning to his shop, having gained confidence and experience from his eventful day.

Historical Background

Agenor is Picking Up emerged during a pivotal moment in French cultural history, the mid-1960s, when the country was experiencing significant social liberalization following the May 1968 events (though the film slightly predates this). This period saw the relaxation of censorship laws that had previously restricted sexual content in films, leading to an explosion of erotic cinema in France. The film reflects the changing attitudes toward sexuality and the growing acceptance of erotic content in mainstream culture. It was part of a broader movement in European cinema that explored themes of sexual freedom and desire, coinciding with the sexual revolution that was sweeping across Western societies. The short format was particularly suitable for experimental and controversial content, as it required less financial investment and could be more easily distributed to specialized theaters. The film's Parisian setting and focus on everyday characters also reflects the French New Wave's influence, even in more commercial genres.

Making Of

The production of Agenor is Picking Up was characteristic of the quick, low-budget filmmaking that characterized French erotic shorts of the 1960s. Director Gérard Kikoïne, who would later become prominent in adult cinema, brought a surprisingly sophisticated visual style to the modest production. The casting process was unconventional - the lead actor was reportedly found during location scouting when the filmmakers spotted an actual delivery boy whose natural charm and authentic appearance perfectly suited the role. The female roles were filled by a mix of aspiring actresses and models willing to appear in the risqué content, many using pseudonyms to protect their reputations. The film's erotic scenes were carefully choreographed to suggest more than they showed, using camera angles and editing techniques to create the illusion of greater explicitness. Production was rushed, with most scenes requiring only one or two takes due to budget limitations, which contributed to the film's spontaneous, documentary-like feel.

Visual Style

The cinematography in Agenor is Picking Up, while not groundbreaking, shows competent craftsmanship typical of better French productions of the era. Shot in black and white, the film utilizes natural lighting effectively to create intimate, realistic atmospheres in the apartment settings where most encounters take place. The camera work employs a mix of static shots and gentle handheld movements that give the film a documentary-like quality during the delivery sequences. Close-ups are used strategically during the flirtatious encounters to capture the actors' expressions and build tension. The visual style favors realism over glamour, with the Parisian locations presented authentically rather than as romanticized backdrops. The film's visual approach successfully balances the erotic content with a certain aesthetic quality that elevates it above typical exploitation fare.

Innovations

While Agenor is Picking Up was not a technically innovative film, it demonstrated solid technical execution within its budgetary constraints. The film's editing effectively paces the episodic structure, creating rhythm through the repetitive nature of the delivery encounters while varying the intensity of each scene. The sound recording quality is notably better than many comparable films of the genre, with clear dialogue capture even in challenging acoustic environments. The film makes effective use of location shooting, overcoming the technical challenges of filming in actual Parisian apartments with limited space and equipment. Perhaps most significantly, the film achieves its erotic impact primarily through suggestion and editing techniques rather than explicit content, demonstrating sophisticated understanding of cinematic implication within the constraints of censorship.

Music

The musical score of Agenor is Picking Up consists of light, jazzy compositions typical of French films of the 1960s. The soundtrack features upbeat piano pieces and subtle brass arrangements that underscore the film's playful, mischievous tone. During the more tense or seductive moments, the music shifts to slower, more suggestive melodies that enhance the erotic atmosphere without becoming overly dramatic. The sound design emphasizes ambient city noises during the outdoor delivery sequences, creating a sense of authenticity. Interior scenes feature minimal background music, relying instead on dialogue and subtle sound effects to build intimacy. The soundtrack was likely created by a small ensemble of studio musicians common in French film production of the era, though specific credits are difficult to verify due to the film's limited documentation.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence where Agenor begins his day, establishing his innocent character and the routine nature of his job before the complications begin
• The scene in the third apartment where a woman pretends to need help reaching something on a high shelf, creating an extended moment of tension and flirtation
• The climactic final delivery where Agenor finally turns the tables on his seductress, showing his character growth throughout the day

What Critics Said

Contemporary critical reception to Agenor is Picking Up was mixed to dismissive, with mainstream critics largely ignoring or dismissing the film as exploitation. However, specialized film publications that covered erotic cinema gave it modest praise for its light-hearted approach and technical competence compared to other films in the genre. Some critics noted the film's surprisingly good cinematography and the lead actor's natural performance. Retrospectively, film historians have recognized the short as an interesting artifact of its time, valuable for understanding the evolution of erotic cinema in France. Modern critics analyzing the film within its historical context appreciate its relatively respectful treatment of its female characters compared to other erotic films of the era, though some contemporary viewers find aspects dated by today's standards.

What Audiences Thought

The film found its primary audience in the specialized theaters that screened erotic shorts and double features in Paris and other major French cities. It was particularly popular with young adult audiences who were drawn to its titillating content and humorous approach. Audience reactions at the time were generally positive within its target demographic, with many viewers appreciating its light-hearted tone compared to more serious or exploitative erotic films. The character of Agenor resonated with male viewers who identified with his fish-out-of-water situation. The film developed a minor cult following over the years, particularly among collectors of vintage European erotic cinema. In later years, it has been discovered by new audiences through home video releases and online platforms, where it's appreciated both for its nostalgic value and as an example of 1960s French erotic cinema.

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