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Award-winning documentary filmmakers Michael Dweck and Gregory Kershaw present their latest project, “Burgundy,” a study of winemaking culture in France’s renowned eastern-central region. The film opens with a tongue-in-cheek disclaimer about its authenticity, setting a lighthearted tone for what unfolds as an aesthetically pleasing but narratively thin exploration of Burgundian viticulture and the people devoted to it.
The documentary centers on several interconnected characters, including Bertrand Devillard, who manages a family winemaking estate spanning 160 years, and Enzo, an ambitious young man working his way up through the vineyards while aspiring to eventually establish his own operation. Additional figures include Enzo’s sommelier girlfriend Céleste and Guillaume, a wine critic whose personal life struggles provide comic moments. While the directors maintain their signature visual precision through meticulously composed cinematography and expert editing, the film occasionally strays from its core subject matter.
Compared to their previous acclaimed documentaries “The Truffle Hunters” and “Gaucho Gaucho,” this latest offering prioritizes style over substance. The inclusion of whimsical 8mm footage and elaborate recreations, while visually engaging, sometimes feels distracting rather than complementary. Despite the filmmakers’ undeniable technical skill, the narrative lacks the compelling depth and natural drama that characterized their earlier work, ultimately resulting in a pleasant but ultimately underwhelming viewing experience.
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Originally reported by Variety →
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