France

Bruno Dumont tells the story of a television journalist and presenter. To show us what goes on behind the scenes, the way these journalists operate, their lack of humanity, the staging, their selfishness despite the showcase they present. But also the character of Léa Seydoux, who carries the film, whom Bruno Dumont paints with her contradictions, her complexities, her changing moods. This makes the character almost endearing, not at all monolithic, which we as viewers can't judge, given the number of contradictions in her character.

The mix of professional and amateur actors works perfectly, providing a real anchor that gives density to the subject.

We can only admit that the strings are thick: the film is devoid of subtlety. This is always the case with Bruno Dumont. But the trick with the laptop resting on the joystick that plays the commentary is really a screenwriter's trick, not believable for a second. This penalizes the film as a whole.

It's worth noting that all Léa Seydoux's scenes with her husband, Benjamin Biolay, are the best in the film, whether as a couple or in a group with other people.

All in all, Bruno Dumont gets his messages and criticisms across well, while inviting reflection in which not everything is black and white.

Not far from the Brandenburg Gate, I happened to be standing right next to the German TV presenter Johannes B. Kerner, who was already getting ready for a TV dress rehearsal of the New Year's Eve celebration broadcast on the ZDF television station. I was able to see up close how thick the make-up is on the faces of our TV noses. Lea SEYDOUX wears exactly this type of television make-up throughout the entire film. And then there are the strange clothes that are supposed to look good on the screen, but in reality look pretty grotesque.

It all starts with President Macron personally having to warn the popular TV presenter France De Meurs (SEYDOUX) to keep quiet at his press conference. Then we witness how current news television is staged. Bizarre, enlightening and very frightening! It's about appearance, staging and reality. And yes, Bruno DUMONT's films are always very special. Please only watch if you have a good dose of joy in cynicism!

The cast is great! Chansonnier Benjamin BIOLAY is there as the author husband of the busy TV reporter, Juliane KÖHLER (Silver Bear 1999 for AIMEE & JAGUAR) has a bizarre appearance as an over-the-top spa patient. And the comedienne Blanche GARDIN is really great as the manager of our television nose. I also really liked her in "Delete History". This actress is definitely one to keep an eye on! Seriously! And then an almost forgotten female former chancellor scurries across the screen...mon dieu!

The film has so far grossed $1.3 million in the box office worldwide. And yes, I have to admit it: I'm cynical enough to say that I really enjoyed the film. And evil as I am, the TV-obsessed France de Meurs often made me think of German talk show hosts like Sabine CHRISTIANSEN...well, enough of the nastiness for now!!! Oh yes, the film can be seen in the original version with subtitles in German cinemas, which is also very sensible. There's no other way, really!

You get the idea what they wanted to do here. To put all different aspects of television (news, reality TV, etc.) in a movie and make a bit fun of it.

But it's just too long and everything keeps on repeating itself. If this movie would be one hour shorter, it would be much better in my opinion.

Also: Lea Seydoux cries more in this movie than me at home chopping onions!

Some people appear to be comparing this (favourably) to Network, which is a bit puzzling. It's not a bad film by any means, but there's a reason that Network is remembered as a classic after 45 years - which I doubt will be the case here.

However, Seydoux is radiant here, and clearly having fun with her own (real life) fame and image in her portrayal of the "celebrity journalist" France. Her apartment is glorious as are (initially) most aspects of her life - which of course starts to fall apart shortly into the action.

Tonally, though, I was often confused by this... for example the opening scene seems to be being played for laughs but appears mainly just embarrassing. Later on, some *really* tragic things happen to her - but is this simply for dramatic effect rather than some kind of karma? I really wasn't sure. Certainly little seemed comedic in the normal sense, although those familiar with Dumont fare such as "Slack Bay" will probably be ready for "not normal" approaches. He seems much more restrained here.

Worth a look, but I doubt I'll be rewatching.

No plot, attempts at a storyline. Completely all over the place. What a waste of hours! Neither the main plot nor the plot adds up to anything. Love affair seems cringy. Husband-wife and even the filial relationship seems so fake. One story moves onto another with no relation in between as if this were the attempt of a photographer to bring together a scrapbook of images. And to be honest, even the images are not that great. So, don't waste your time.