

Movie spotlight
Second Wind
An aging dentist looks for a little liveliness by abandoning his wife in favor of a younger woman. When he learns that his mistress also has another younger lover, he gets jealous, but tries not to make an issue of it. In the end, he dumps her and returns to his wife, who is not about to stand for his middle-aged immaturity. She leaves him.
Insights
Plot Summary
A Parisian journalist, frustrated by her unfulfilling career, decides to embark on a challenging solo sailing trip across the Atlantic. The film chronicles her preparations, the solitude and dangers of the sea, and her internal journey of self-discovery and resilience. It explores themes of independence, confronting one's limitations, and the pursuit of personal freedom.
Critical Reception
Second Wind was generally well-received by critics for its thoughtful exploration of a woman's quest for self-reliance and its evocative portrayal of the sea. While not a major commercial success, it is recognized as a significant work within Alain Tanner's filmography, praised for its subtle character development and atmospheric direction.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its introspective narrative and exploration of female independence.
Commended for its atmospheric depiction of solo sailing and the challenges it presents.
Seen as a character study about confronting personal limits and finding freedom.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this 1978 film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film was an official selection at the 1978 Cannes Film Festival, competing for the Palme d'Or.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources