It starts with an older couple discussing a divorce with lawyers. The husband, Philippe explains that they had discussed the difficulties of a career decision he made. The wife, Anne was lost as she felt the money distorted what she was really concerned about. This is definitely not a date night type of movie.
We next see Philippe in a series of business meetings. He has one ally, but they are surrounded by those who feel he is too soft. The company will have to lay off several people and want to prepare for it. He feels it would weaken the company and could be avoided if the directors would forgo an expected annual bonus. It is the purpose of the company to increase profits. We see an American business man (speaking in English) they want to do a deal with and he seems angry over the the amended proposal offered (without the layoffs). Philippe is assured that because he has such a good relation with the union that he is the one to handle the layoff problem.
Confronted by the union he seems to feel that he could change the layoff decision and assures the union leaders that the rumors are wrong and there will be no layoffs. Unfortunately he is not able to change the policy and when the situation worsens he is blamed and threatened with dismissal, although highly regarded for his abilities. He is offered a better position if he will co-operate in explaining the situation to the union.
In the meantime he is still carrying on 'normally" with his wife and son. It is obvious he is under stress and will have to make a decision.
His dilemma is part of a capitalistic society. There is no room for emotion when it comes to business decisions. The goal is to make more profit. There have been thousands of conflicts between decisions of those on top of the pyramid with the impacts felt by the rest of society depicted in film scripts. This is just one situation, but it is symbolic.
There is talent(and little courage) involved for this film to follow. Here are some of the people responsible.
Stephane Brize was the director, writer and co-producer. He began with the theatre and television. He has 12 film credits for each as director and writer. Included "Mademoiselle Chambon" (2009).
Vincent Lindor is the main actor and also a co-producer. He actually
was married to the co-star, Sandrine Kiberlain and had had one child before divorcing. He was able to use family connections to get various jobs in the film industry including as a costume design assistant. He had 18 film credits as an actor, but also for writing and producing. His films included "La Haine" (1995) and "Mademoiselle Chambon" (2009), He won a best actor award at Cannes for "The Measure of Man" (2015)
Christophe Rossignon, a producer and actor playing one of the directors. He had earlier produced "La Haine" (1995) about the aftermath of a race riot where he also played one of the minor characters. He had 77 film credits as a producer as well as 51 as an actor.
Camille Rocailleux provided the music. Ten film credits.
Eric Dumont was the cinematographer with 12 film credits.
Anne Klotz was the eidtor. Her 35 film credits included "Mademoiselle Chambon" (2009).
Sandrine Kiberlain played Anne, the wife. Her 74 credits include "Alias Betty" (2001), "Mademoiselle Chambon" and "9-Month Stretch" (2013). She co-starred with Vincent in other films. She also had been a singer with two albums.
Anthony Bajon played their son, Lucas. He has 33 film credits.
Marie Drucker played Phillipe's hard nosed and practical boss. She is better known as a reporter and newscaster. Has also been a writer and producer.
There are very many instances of the wealthy and powerful exploiting the less fortunate. This is just an example from the business world (un autre monde), but very well done. I watched it on a DVD from my local library.
I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.
No comments:
Post a Comment