L'età barbarica

The main concept of this underseen Denys Arcand film is not original (downtrodden middle-aged public servant with a problematic family life finds refuge in his nighttime dreams and his even more vivid daytime fantasies), but it is well-employed by the Canadian writer-director and the result is a mature, incisive, intelligent, moving, and sometimes very funny film. As usual, Arcand feels free to deal with a different topic in almost every other scene, and the film embraces ideas as well as good old-fashioned slapstick. 17 years later, its views on our "connected" society and the bewildering government bureaucracy are more pertinent than ever. *** out of 4.

This film is amazingly well done in its subtlety. The direct portrayal of ultra woke and paternalistic government bureaucracies that have hold in Canada is just painfully true. Moreover the less direct but even more pointed portrayal of resistance to it in the lead character's fantasy and alternate life is is just wonderfully subtle.

If there is any hope for Canadian films it is in Quebec. Quebec filmmakers are not beholden to Hollywood, enslaved by its techniques or inclined to copy its product. This is an original, brilliantly conceived, masterfully shot and superbly performed film. I'm not sure whether it's satire, social commentary, comedy or perhaps a little of each. It's slightly reminiscent of Terry Gilliam's Brazil but it stands on its own as a powerful film with a thoughtful (if dark) message. The shame is that films of this quality are not seen in English Canada nor in the US outside the limited sphere of film festivals and fringe cinemas. Denys Arcand is a genius and it shows in this work. This film is what movie making is all about! Or should be.

Very original plot. A very funny take on bureaucracy, political correctness and the nanny state gone overboard.

Takes itself too seriously towards the end, and ultimately the plot drifts, but some screamingly funny moments along the way.

Of course, if you are a person who believes our modern society is the culmination of human evolution and you are comfortable with the western way of life, you might not like this movie so much (referring to the review posted by someone from Chicoutimi). Otherwise, it has to be one of the most brilliant criticisms about the North-American way of life. Another reviewer compared it to Brazil from Gilliam, and there surely are some similarities, though Arcand does not go as far into surrealism. The cast is wonderful. All in all it is a great satire that makes you reflect on many aspects of life in our time. It is funny, but really dark at the same time. I liked it even better the second time I watched it. It just lacks a little something - maybe a stronger climax - to be a masterpiece.