Superstar

An interesting film that speaks of a modern kind of TV shows, the garbage TV channel shows that spread like fire since a decade now.

I won't be long to describe this interesting film, for which the audiences may think about, even long after the viewing. The human silliness is shown here at its paroxysm, at a scale you can't even imagine. But that's the reality, folks, the cruel reality. Unfortunately some sequences spoil the true message of this feature. Some scenes are unbelievable and so far reduce the strength of the message.

Kad Merad was the perfect actor for such a character.

Such a film - which is very good, I insist - makes me puke. Puke because of the true nature of the human kind. A very pessimistic film, in resume. But that's my own point of view.

Xavier Giannoli' Superstar is an ambitious film which discusses the pertinent question about the respect of personal life in troubled times when a multitude of cameras can threaten any person's life, happiness and peace. It also presents a rather sordid image of French television where a Machiavellian TV producer and his assistant would go to any extent in order to make their reality TV show a resounding success. Martin Kazanski, a team leader in a company which recycles computer equipments, is surprised to learn that he has achieved sudden stardom as everybody wants to make his videos,asks for his autograph and would like to be filmed with him. He is unable to understand anything behind it as the more he tries to know, the more confused his situation becomes. His sad as well as tragic story is an indication of how desperate can TV get in order to win newer audiences.One can try to understand this film by knowing about the image of television in France and outside its territory. The image of France outside its borders as an inveterate consumer as well as a fervent admirer of television has been known to people for many years. What makes it interesting is its duality. On the one hand, there are over the top personalities of French television such as Thierry Ardisson and Michel Drucker who host shows such as Tout Le Monde En Parle and Vivement Dimanche. Although one learns just about gossip and personal lives of famous French people, these shows are watched in huge numbers solely for the help learners of French get from them in order to practice their spoken language. On the other hand, there are culturally sophisticated TV hosts namely Patrick Poivre d'Arvor and Julien Lepers who present news and a quiz show. They present an intelligent image of France.

The idea behind this social critic is interesting but it's pace is slow and really repetitive. After 20-30 minutes or so it's pretty clear where the movie is going and nothing fantastic emerges. It's sad because there's good acting, clever writing, it's just not enough for a whole movie.