Qu'est-ce qu'on attend pour être heureux!
In this film that sends up the foibles of filmmaking, a standard crew of actors, stage-hands, director, writers, producers, and others are gathered for the filming of a 45-second automobile commercial. Each role embodies an archetype (the harried director who has a deadline to meet, the Scrooge production manager who has a budget to meet, and the writers who are above these mundane concerns), and these personalities drive the working actors over the edge until they decide to lock them up and do their own thing -- happiness can be just around the corner if you are in the driver's seat. Hopefully, the actors will be able to bow out before the police catch on to the situation.
Insights
Plot Summary
A group of friends, all around thirty, gather for a weekend reunion. During their time together, they reflect on their lives, their past choices, and their aspirations for the future. The film explores themes of friendship, love, and the pursuit of happiness as they confront their disillusionments and hopes.
Critical Reception
The film received a mixed reception upon its release. While some critics praised its exploration of existential themes and the performances of its cast, others found the narrative to be somewhat disjointed and the humor to be hit-or-miss. Audiences were similarly divided, with some appreciating its introspective nature and others finding it lacking in comedic punch.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its candid portrayal of friendship and mid-life reflections.
- Criticized for an uneven tone that sometimes struggles between comedy and drama.
- Performances were generally seen as a strong point, particularly from the lead actors.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce and varied, with some appreciating the film's relatable themes of life's uncertainties and others finding it did not fully deliver on its comedic premise.
Fun Fact
The film marked a departure for director Gilles Carle, known for more provocative and visually experimental works, venturing into a more character-driven and dialogue-heavy comedic drama.
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