Lino embarks on a transformative journey, leaving his chaotic past behind, underscoring the idea that all experiences ultimately benefit us. As Claude Lelouch reflects on his cinematic legacy, questions arise about his future after his 87th birthday. His latest film intertwines themes of freedom and nostalgia, featuring familiar characters and settings that connect to his earlier works. With a heartfelt conclusion hinting at more to come, Lelouch muses about his potential final projects, expressing a desire to honor his life’s work.
Overview of the Film
In a world that often feels chaotic, Lino makes the bold choice to abandon his past. His journey reveals a profound truth: every experience we encounter ultimately serves our best interests!
The Story Continues?
Is it time for Claude Lelouch to retire, especially after celebrating his 87th birthday on October 30? His cinematic journey began with a brief black-and-white film titled USA in a Nutshell, which premiered in 1957.
On the surface, this notion seems plausible, particularly given the title of his 51st feature film. It appears to encapsulate a sentiment that everything has been leading to this ‘musical fable brought to life’, as articulated in the film’s opening credits.
The narrative follows the character portrayed by Kad Merad on a quest for freedom, a theme that resonates even with viewers unfamiliar with Lelouch’s renowned work, such as A Man and a Woman. However, the inclusion of Lino Ventura and a youthful Françoise Fabian may leave some puzzled.
Ultimately, the film acts as a focal point in Lelouch’s extensive filmography.
Rather than donning the hat once worn by Jean-Paul Belmondo in Itinerary of a Spoiled Child, the lead character is depicted as the offspring of Lino Ventura’s character from Claude Lelouch’s The Adventure is the Adventure and Happy New Year.
This creates a slight inconsistency, as the characters differ in both films. Nevertheless, it illustrates Lelouch’s ambition to weave together various epochs of his cinematic history.
In a similar vein, scenes are shot near Mont Saint-Michel, echoing the opening of There Are Days… and Moons, while a subplot featuring a priest, originally set aside for The Crook, finds new life here. Additionally, a courtroom scene evokes the conclusion of All That… for This!
Lelouch also nods to other filmmakers’ works, referencing Clint Eastwood’s The Bridges of Madison County and Jean Renoir’s La Grande Illusion.
As is typical of Lelouch, this film is a rich tapestry of themes encompassing life, love, cinema, family, music (punctuated by vibrant trumpet solos), and the essence of France as the narrative unfolds through Avignon, Beaune, Le Mans, and Paris.
This film embraces a sense of freedom, even allowing for moments of improvisation. Is it truly the end? For a while, Ultimately was regarded as the capstone of Lelouch’s prolific career, a sentiment echoed in its very title.
However, as the film concludes with a heartfelt duet featuring Kad Merad and Barbara Pravi, a card teases viewers with the message: ‘And soon, the continuation of this musical movement…’ leaving us curious for more.
Final Thoughts from Lelouch
Is Claude Lelouch hinting at an upcoming album with songs from his film? Perhaps a live performance? Or even another final motion picture? ‘I reflect on my departure more frequently now’, the filmmaker reveals in the press kit. ‘I contemplate it daily. It has become an obsession. While I’m not afraid of death, I do feel anxious.’
‘I can’t say if I’ll have the resilience to create a 52nd film to honor what life has offered me, but I dream of finishing with a grand finale. I pray daily for this last film; it’s something I genuinely wish to create…
I will strive to make it happen, if only to express my gratitude to those who believed in me and to bid farewell to the naysayers!’ It seems that the time for goodbyes may not be upon us just yet.