Film producer Grégoire Canvel has it all – a wife and children he adores and a stimulating job he is devoted to. On the surface he seems invincible, but in reality his ideal life is beginning to crumble around him. His prestigious production company, is on its last legs and as the storm clouds begin to gather he soon becomes overwhelmed with fatigue and despair…
Mia Hansen-Love’s 2007 debut, All Is Forgiven, movingly explored and ultimately reconciled the gulf between a separated father and daughter. Here the writer director pushes this premise to less consoling extremes, patiently observing the devastating consequences of a father’s act of desperation. Marked by moments of remarkable stillness amid its emotional tumult, the film’s classy, perceptive treatment of potentially maudlin material merits attention and it confirms Hansen-Love as a noteworthy new talent.
Reviews
“Insightful, mature and extremely accomplished second feature by French director Mia Hansen-Love. Inspired by the life and tragic death of revered producer Humbert Balsan, Hansen-Love’s superbly acted drama marks a confident consolidation of her 2007 debut” Jonathan Romney, Screen International
“Authentic in its depiction of both the filmic and domestic milieux, this is delicate, incisive, touching and trenchant.” Empire
“The essence of the film is a welcome compassion and curiosity about inner lives.” Time Out
awards
Cannes Film Festival 2009 – WINNER
– Un Certain Regard – Special Jury Prize (Mia Hansen-Løve)