Le Fils
Cinematography:
Alain MarcoenVOD (1)
Plots(1)
This downbeat drama by acclaimed Belgian filmmakers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne bears a thematic and formal resemblance to their previous works, La Promesse and the Palme D'Or winner Rosetta. Dardenne brothers' regular Olivier Gourmet is in every frame as the stern Olivier, a carpenter who teaches the craft to teenagers seeking a vocation. Olivier's drab routine is interrupted by the enrollment of a new student, Francis (Morgan Marinne), who becomes the object of the carpenter's inexplicable obsession. Speaking with his ex-wife, Magali (Isabella Soupart), about his new charge, Olivier reveals the reason for his fixation: Francis was the young street tough who murdered their child years ago. Now out of juvenile prison, Francis seeks to start anew, and eventually even asks the flummoxed Olivier to become his guardian. Olivier withholds his knowledge from the oblivious Francis, even as a tentative relationship between the two develops. The tense scenario leads to a climactic confrontation at a lumberyard, as the past finally catches up with teacher and student. (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Reviews (1)
I have a long-standing positive relationship with the Dardenne brothers. I find them sympathetic in terms of their themes, the environment they depict, and their characters. However, I find their approach to storytelling less appealing. I appreciate a realistic approach and I usually don't mind a slower pace, but with their film The Son, the Dardenne brothers have crossed a certain imaginary line and the film becomes irritating. Soon enough, you realize the relationship between the master and his apprentice, and for the majority of the film, you are waiting for the one scene that, by the way, ends in a predictable manner, leading to catharsis. Originally, I gave it three stars, but that wouldn't be honest. For me, this is the least digestible film of the French creators of small social dramas. Overall impression: 45%.
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