Marin Karmitz' directorial debut "Sept jours ailleurs" ("Seven Days Somewhere Else") is hardly a novelty with its themes of an individual
questioning his existence and finding some solace and love while escaping a dull routine. Yet there's something extraordinarily interesting and
appealing about it, the construction of elements and characters that feel authentic to us, that it's impossible to resist to its charm, its
challenges, and viewers might find themselves relating to the lead character and his fleeting journey of which we don't want it to end. I like to
think the best of us had been there in making deep self-analysis about the life we live, the choices we make and the things that were forced upon us,
and to find ways to change what's wrong or isn't helping anymore. And that's why a film like this have some great relevance.
We follow the existential crisis of Jacques (Jacques Higelin), a 30-year-old composer
who simply cannot find enjoyment in life as he deals with the routine of a married life where the romance has grown cold, and the obstacles of
finding gigs that can pay him well or at least to provide him with money that can cover all his family expenses or some luxury. He likes his
daughter, there's a great sense of comfort when they spend some time together, as he can look at life in a more relaxed manner, almost if missing being
a kid again. The turn of events comes when he goes to a full week trip following a ballet group, of which he was hired to play the piano, and he
gets the chance to see life in a different life after meeting a young woman (Catherine Martin) from the group.
The encounter is a breath of fresh air into Jacques life and for audiences as well, as there are many cute and interesting moments that are
missed on films these days. The exchange in the diner where they play a music guessing game, later on moving to him teaching how to drive a car,
and then the romance blossoms with both parts admiring each other, trying to figure out a way to solve their problems together. But like any dream
of easy solutions and apparent endless happiness, reality crashes in when he realizes he misses home, and there's no way one can live a life without
responsabilities, and no way he should embark on a new relationship, as great as it might be.
Despite Nouvelle Vague vibes all around which gives a very dreamy quality to the story when Jacques makes his trip, the sense of realism is
a quite dominating one and audiences are easily charmed by almost everything. It gets a little lost with certain episodic moments (like the ballet
girls discussing about pregnancy; or the lack of a proper ending to the story), it's a little depressing at certain stages, but it offers a great
view and analysis of a man trying to figure out what life is about at that specific point in his life (the 30's) and the ways he can move from then
on, with that painful struggle to find meaning, purpose when tenderness fades away and all that's left are the bills to pay. To escape and find
the perfect seven days somewhere else is what many of us dream of having, maybe discovering a new sparkle of life. With luck. 8/10.
