Monsieur Mayonnaise

Monsieur Mayonnaise is a captivating 2016 documentary directed by Trevor Graham that brings to life the extraordinary story of Australian artist and film-maker Philippe Mora as he uncovers his family's remarkable and unlikely history. Starring Ruth Fivaz-Silberman, Georges Loinger, and Dominic Mora, this film takes us on an enthralling journey through time, art, and history.

Mora is the son of a French-Jewish father, Georges Mora, and a German-Jewish mother, Mirka Mora, both of whom were important figures in Australia’s art scene. “Monsieur Mayonnaise” chronicles Mora’s investigation into his lineage, most notably focusing on his father’s past during the era of World War II. Mora’s father, Georges, led an incredibly daring life, working with the French Resistance against the Nazis, which forms the central pillar of the narrative in this documentary.

As Philippe Mora delves into his history, the audience is introduced to a number of fascinating characters, including Marcel Marceau, the internationally acclaimed mime artist who was also Georges' cousin. Furthermore, the film also unearths how Georges assisted and saved hundreds of Jewish children from German concentration camps, bringing to light the magnitude of his heroism.

The documentary cleverly combines elements of art, humour, and history into a tapestry of human resilience, conviction, and creativity. The title “Monsieur Mayonnaise” comes from one of the inventive methods Georges used to aid Jewish children escape the Nazis. He would smear children's passports with mayonnaise to prevent the Nazis from seeing the "J" for Jew stamped on them.

Philippe Mora makes use of his artistic talents to illustrate his family story. Through a mix of paintings, comic strips and photography, the audience is granted a visually stunning and emotive enaction of his familial past. The documentary serves as a testament to his personal growth and self-discovery, as Mora identifies a profound familial connection to the Holocaust that he was previously unaware of.

As the audience follows Mora on his journey, different chunks of history are beautifully presented with the help of recreated sequences, charming illustrations, and archival footage. This captivating blend of narrative methods helps transport the audience to the enchanting yet horrifying times that his family had to endure. A key segment of the documentary revolves around a tortuous trek across the Alps, a journey taken by Georges and Marceau in their mission to rescue Jewish children. This incredible feat adds yet another dimension to Mora’s extraordinary family history.

Beyond these historical elements, the film provides an enlightening exploration of art and its therapeutic properties, particularly in the face of adversity. Mirka Mora, despite having been an internee in a concentration camp, became one of Australia’s most famous and loved artists. Her art was born out of her experiences during the war and is an integral part of the narrative.

“Monsieur Mayonnaise” is not just a story about World War II and its atrocities; it is also about a son's journey to understand and appreciate his parents’ incredible bravery and resilience. The film encapsulates decades of family history, running parallel to some of the most pivotal events of the twentieth century, creating an unforgettable experience for the audience.

From the personal to the political, and from art to history, this movie beautifully knits together varied aspects of human life and society. It showcases the significance of recalling, understanding, and acknowledging our past, no matter how painful it may be, to appreciate where we come from. In essence, Monsieur Mayonnaise is a sprawling personal journey that incorporates elements of history, art, and storytelling in a way that is as inspiring as it is entertaining.