Des fleurs pour Algernon

This film is a French remake of the 1968 original film 'Charly' (starring Cliff Robertson and Claire Bloom); also the 2000 version of 'Flowers for Algernon' (Mathew Modine, and Kelli Williams), and several adaptations since... The title role is closely based on Daniel Keyes' moving novel "Flowers for Algernon." Here, the Gregory Gadebois, the film's only actor depicts the life of an ordinary but simple man, Charlie, whose low IQ, of 68, prevents him from having more than a superficial understanding of other people. He works as a school caretaker, yet his work colleagues make him the butt of their jokes. Charlie is a warm well-meaning, individual lacking insight, and can barely read or write. Under the supervision of two surgeons Charlie undergoes innovative though speculative brain surgery based on the transformation of a research mouse 'Algernon'. If the treatment is successful, Charlie is informed, he will become super intelligent, his IQ will triple. "I didn't know I had an IQ" Charlie exclaims! The film moves slowly up to this point, then moves apace. True to their promise, post-surgery, Charlie's mind transforms gradually at first, then supremely fast. He reads the classics and sciences prolifically, learns languages, how to play a cello, and for the first time... to court a woman and form a first relationship with his counsellor. Life is rosy at last. Charlie becomes Charles, and is transformed. His knowledge of neuropathology surpasses that of the two surgeons - until they the day they tell him that the health of Algernon, the research mouse, is deteriorating. It falls upon Charles to find a cure before potential disaster strikes. Is this possible? To find out you must watch this curious tale, deftly directed and co-written by Yves Angelo, along with writers Gerald Sibleyras, and Daniel Keyes the story's original author.

I give this movie a 10 only because that is as high as the ratings go.

The actor who plays the one and only part in this movie, Grégory Gadebois, should be given every acting award on the planet. His performance in this movie is astounding.

It is the story of a mentally simple man who undergoes an operation, becomes very intelligent, and then, slowly, sinks back into simplicity again - except that he knows he is literally losing his mind, or at least his intelligence.

Grégory Gadebois's performance never seems like acting. We feel as if we are watching someone who is actually going through this. I can't remember the last time I watched a movie without leaving my chair at some point to do something. I could not leave my chair for the duration of this movie. Grégory Gadebois's was too moving to miss a moment of.

I won't tell you this is an easy movie to watch. It's not. But it is so "true." From early on you like Charlie, the character, and from then on you don't want to miss a moment of his struggle.

What a truly remarkable movie.

P.S. The script is very good, and the cinematography is extremely intelligent.