2023-08-09 08:39:52
♦ The Royal Way **
by Frederic Mermoud
Franco-Swiss film, 1 h 49
As First yearthe film by Thomas Lilti which focused on the formidable preparation for the medical competition, The Royal Way follows the course of a student, socially out of step, over a year, a way of showing the inter-self in force in these prepas. Macho hazing, cultural references and the assurance of belonging to France’s elite underline for Sophie, the daughter of breeders, what differentiates her profoundly from her classmates.
The film shows a universe that formats and stigmatizes specificities, while gargling to welcome candidates from all walks of life. He takes a sharp look at the selection, emulation, competition and solidarity of students, as well as at teachers, scathing or benevolent. View in Human things by Yvan Attal, Suzanne Jouannet embodies in a sensitive way this young woman whose school threatens to extinguish her joyful nature and confident determination. Around her, other formidable actresses such as Marilyne Canto (the mother), Marie Colomb (Diane) and Maud Wyler (an intransigent teacher) complete this wise but fair picture of a year on the threshold of the royal road.
READ THE REVIEW: “The Royal Way”, a year in turmoil for a preparatory class
♦ the animal **
by Sofia Alaoui
Franco-Moroccan film, 1h30
Funny cinematographic object that this first film of Sofia Alaoui. A fantastic drama haunted by the presence of supernatural forces, an existential road movie of a young pregnant woman setting out to discover herself, or acerbic social criticism of a Moroccan society dominated by patriarchy and money, the director purposely blurs the tracks.
It immerses us in a metaphysical and sensory universe, close to that of Terrence Malick, to better question our place in the world and denounce the ravages of neoliberal capitalism which takes us away from our deep nature.
With very few special effects, Sofia Alaoui manages to create a disturbing, but never hostile atmosphere, and to build through a mystical allegory – the unity of all things – an acid critique of social inequalities and contemporary materialism.
» READ THE REVIEW: « Animalia », a strange human and supernatural odyssey
♦ A master stroke **
by Rémi Bezançon
French film, 1h35
“The best friend I’ve ever had. » It is in these sincere terms that Arthur Forestier, owner of an art gallery, speaks of Renzo Nervi, the painter whose canvases he has been selling for decades and whose new exhibition he is presenting.
But precisely his works, increasingly dark, no longer seduce. The painter conscientiously sabotages any effort to promote his work and refuses with a surly virulence the compromises demanded of him by Arthur to save him from the financial abyss. Faced with his nihilism and his suicidal ideas, the latter imagines what would happen to his work if Renzo died.
Remake Of An Argentinian Film, A master stroke seduced from his first images by the inventiveness of his production, his humor and his efficiency in portraying his characters. Bouli Lanners manages to make Renzo endearing, an egocentric genius tyrant, exasperating by dint of gruff rejection, but also an idealistic creator indifferent to material contingencies. In the role of Arthur, Vincent Macaigne moves with his sense of unfailing friendship and his boundless admiration for Renzo, but also amuses with his singular sense of business.
READ THE REVIEW: “A masterstroke”, the ups and downs of the artist
♦ Zone(s) de turbulence *
de Hafsteinn Gunnar Sigurosson
Icelandic film, 1 h 37
The film begins in London but most of its plot takes place in Iceland, where Sarah finds herself unfortunately stuck following an internship to cure her fear of flying which turns into a nightmare. Because the theoretical phase in the simulator is followed by the practical aspect with a return flight during the day intended to test the reactions of the participants. The guide, joker, chose Reykjavik as a destination, for its “exotic” side. And obviously nothing will go as planned for the small group of “Intrepid Travelers”.
As soon as he sets foot in Iceland, everything starts to go off the rails and increasingly crazy situations follow one another like a tribute paid by the director Hafsteinn Gunnar Sigurosson to the crazy humor of his compatriots. But the arrival of a local tech millionaire hampers the mechanics and leads us lazily, and not always with great subtlety, towards an all-too-predictable end.
READ THE REVIEW: “Zone(s) of turbulence”, how to cure your fear of flying
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