“Non-Fiction” is a French film that explores the complexities and contradictions of modern relationships through four intertwined characters. The movie serves as a literary machine, dissecting the publishing industry and its role in society. In the ever-evolving world of technology and social media, the characters navigate their way through a web of truth and lies, love and infidelity, success and failure. The narrative is witty yet poignant, with dialogue that feels like rapid-fire ping pong between characters. Ultimately, “Non-Fiction” presents a commentary on our evolving world while capturing the ennui that often accompanies it, but leaves us with some hopeful notes about what it means to truly connect.
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Review
Non-Fiction: A Must-See Film for Book Lovers and Fans of French Cinema
As a shame researcher, I’m always fascinated by stories that explore the ways we show up in our relationships, in our work, and in our lives. Non-Fiction is a film that examines these themes in a sharp, witty way against the backdrop of the publishing industry in Paris. It’s a delightful exploration of modern love through the lens of technology and literature – and it’s one of my favorite films of recent years.
The story follows Alain (Guillaume Canet), a publisher who’s struggling to keep his business relevant in an age when print books are becoming less popular. Alain’s wife Selena (Juliette Binoche), an actress, is having an affair with LĂ©onard (Vincent Macaigne), a novelist who’s struggling to get his latest work published.
What I love about this film is the way it captures the complexity of relationships. Each character is grappling with their own insecurities and desires, but they all intersect in fascinating ways. Alain is trying to navigate his changing industry while also dealing with Selena’s infidelity, while LĂ©onard is trying to find success without sacrificing his artistic integrity.
The dialogue in this film crackles with intelligence and wit. Director Olivier Assayas has a keen ear for how people actually talk to each other – there are no false notes or clunky moments here. The conversations between characters are often hilarious and relatable, but there’s also real emotional resonance to them.
One of my favorite scenes in the film takes place at a dinner party where Alain and LĂ©onard engage in a heated debate about the role of technology in publishing. They argue over whether e-books will ultimately replace print books or if there will always be a place for physical copies. It’s both funny and thought-provoking, and it perfectly encapsulates the film’s exploration of the tension between traditional and modern ways of living.
The acting in this film is superb across the board. Canet is great as Alain, capturing both his charm and his insecurity. Binoche is always a joy to watch, and she imbues Selena with a sense of sadness that’s palpable. Macaigne is delightfully neurotic as LĂ©onard, and his scenes with Nora Hamzawi (who plays his wife ValĂ©rie) provide some of the film’s most touching moments.
Non-Fiction is also a film that engages with the world outside its own story. It’s set against the backdrop of French politics and culture, and it touches on issues like gender equality, privacy in the digital age, and the relationship between art and commerce. Assayas has always been a director who’s interested in exploring big ideas through intimate stories, and he does so here with aplomb.
The film’s score by Irma Vep composer Julien Hirsch adds an extra layer of energy to the proceedings. It’s jazzy and pulsing, perfectly capturing the frenetic pace of modern life while also nodding to French New Wave cinema of yesteryear.
Non-Fiction has been well-received since its release in 2018. It was selected to compete for the Palme d’Or at Cannes that year, although it didn’t win any major awards at that or any other festival. That being said, it has been praised by critics for its sharp writing, strong performances, and incisive commentary on contemporary society.
I highly recommend Non-Fiction to anyone who loves literature or French cinema. If you’re looking for a smart, engaging film that will make you think about your own relationships – both personal and professional – this one is not to be missed.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 107
- Release : 2018-10-11
- Genre : Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Cast : Guillaume Canet as Alain, Juliette Binoche as Selena, Vincent Macaigne as Léonard, Christa Théret as Laure, Nora Hamzawi as Valérie
- Crew : Yorick Le Saux as Director of Photography, Antoinette Boulat as Casting, François-Renaud Labarthe as Production Design, Olivier Assayas as Director, Olivier Assayas as Writer
- Popularity 6.713
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : CG Cinéma, ARTE France Cinéma, Vortex Sutra
- Summary : Alain, a successful Parisian publisher struggling to adapt to the digital revolution, has major doubts about the new manuscript of LĂ©onard, one of his long-time authors — another work of auto-fiction recycling his love affair with a minor celebrity. Selena, Alain’s wife, a famous stage actress, is of the opposite opinion.
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