His name is Paul Bosquet. You don’t know him yet, and that’s okay. He’s the hero of L’Esprit Coubertin, Jeremy Seine’s first feature film — in theaters May 8 — and we already know it: he’s one of the best characters 2024 has to offer.
Paul is an ace shooter and participates in the Paris Games, a great celebration that brings together nations from around the world. The only downside: France has many defeats and is falling to the bottom of the rankings. Paul may be the country’s only hope, but for this champion of atypical character – some would say “dumb” – nothing has been won.
Presented in competition at the 27th edition of the Alpe d’Huez International Comedy Film Festival, L’Esprit Coubertin is our favourite. Director and screenwriter Jeremy Seine – at the helm of several episodes of the Parliament series – offers a film that also wants to be “Artistic” which is popular.
Benjamin Voisin, comic genius
An intelligent satire, this sports comedy makes all the difference thanks to its originality, a daring mix between Napoleon Dynamite and the loneliness of a long-distance runner. There is a writing by Benjamin Voisin, but above all an interpretation that reveals his comic genius. An actor who can portray Louis-Ferdinand Céline in the theater and give life to a madman like Paul Bosquet offers a truly creative work.
Benjamin Voisin and Emmanuel Bercot, the amazing tandem in “L’Esprit Coubertin”.
There’s the character’s appearance—a chaotic pile of goatees and haircuts—as well as his posture, his gait, his phrasing. Benjamin Voisin draws inspiration from an animal for each of his roles. Here he chooses a giraffe. All these small details turn Paul into a fictional character who instantly becomes iconic – in the first sense of the term. In contrast, Emmanuel Bercow is as crazy as a chewing gum-addicted coach.
Among all these qualities there is also a prophetic dimension to the film. Without giving too much away, we talk about flies, the ridiculous treatment of continuous information and even a rather special sports minister – straight political news. Spirit of Coubertin is a real success and an explosive introduction to the games to come.
Jeremy Seine’s The Coubertin Spirit, in theaters May 8, 2024.
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.
