"Á Son Image" was screened at the Director's Fortnight in Cannes. It is based on a book about the political tensions that existed in Corsica in the past.
Monsieur de Peretti is a seasoned director who brings a certain authority to the craft. The film is difficult to label as it merges various genres: the film feels slightly political, slightly relational, slightly cultural, slightly personal, overall: very human.
De Peretti shows the audience the activism of young adults where passion, ideas, and living with a certain abandon is a life well lived even if it means imprisonment, conflicts with pragmatic parents, and a feeling of lacking power over situations that can sometimes act as a driver and motivator for change.
Debates between characters engage the audience with important questions such as the best approach to making an impact (politically or otherwise). Could one make an impact by the way they raise their family? Is direct involvement in political movements the only way to produce change?
De Peretti respects the audience, never hitting us over the head with his own ideology. He keeps things open-ended for the audience to interpret, but also provides enough information and context for the audience to stay connected to the story and characters.
Beautiful cinematography along with poignant images that his lead protagonist captures, which is revealed primarily at the end.
