Out on October 18, A Difficult Year is a new comedy conceived by the tandem of Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache, behind the successes Intouchables, Samba and Le Sens de la fête.
4 years after their previous feature Hors Normes, together with Vincent Cassel and Reda Hens, the duo signs a new social film related to current issues, in this case over-indebtedness, global warming and even eco-anxiety.
A Difficult Year focuses on a group of young environmental activists, including two related productions starring Jonathan Cohen and Pio Marmai. Both join the group without convincing. An opportunity to poke fun at this situation and laugh at a certain code of green activism.
Should we see it as a satirical film? Of course, this is not the intention of Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache, who spoke to us on the subject.
“There is a lot of discussion about how we represent each other. I think the debate is rich and that’s what we wanted to provoke with this Italian comedy. You have to know that in the time of Italian comedy, in the 60s, it was quite a critical cinema, at the beginning it was quite poorly received. It took time to instill, to understand that comedy can also discuss serious topics.
What makes us happy is when discussions are created
What makes us happy is when there are discussions around the topic we are trying to raise..”
As is often the case with Tandem, this is a social film, but it also wants to appeal to several generations, several backgrounds, and this by confronting them. “The film tells about a bridge between two subjects, between two generations, between two ways of seeing existence and between two worlds. We know very well that there is a world behind us and another in front of us, which is terrifying.
This is eco anxiety. How we approach things and face reactions. There are debates, there are discussions. Recently we see different points of view, generational issues, sometimes there are discussions in the room between parents and children. Super rich, super alive.”
A tandem indicates the execution of a sinking job.Within associations of activists, climate activists, who are engaged in a different vision of existence, more minimalist, more sober, awareness-raising actions.and continue:This is the case with the associations that have accepted us and in which we have participated in immersions and activities with them..”
During our Club AlloCiné session organized in September, Eric Toledano also spoke on this topic, following a comment from the audience.
“In Italian comedy, everyone gets what they deserve. (…) we laugh at ourselves. The mirror is distorted. Moliere ridiculed the people of the court as misanthropes, misers, etc. Maybe in one position, we feel it’s more us. Others may think it’s more about them. We don’t laugh at people’s expense.
and added: “And above all, we’re not in an American movie where the characters end up being perfect environmentalists. This movement is more subtle. I think it’s more important to move forward in small steps than in giant steps.. We must accept the principle of the mirror held up to us. I think we are laughing at ourselves.
Eric Toledano emphasizes the ending: “The people who filmed with us, who are activists, told us something: you could have gone even further! Maybe it’s a subjective question.“
It’s a difficult year right now.
Comments collected on September 18, 2023 at Forum des images
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
