“En fanfare,” a 2024 film, has touched audiences with its emotional narrative, achieving nearly 2.6 million admissions in France. The film features a poignant ending, leaving the fate of Benjamin Lavernhe’s character open to interpretation. Co-screenwriter Irène Muscari discussed an alternate ending that was filmed but ultimately cut for a more uplifting conclusion, a decision that enhanced the film’s emotional depth. Viewers can anticipate its DVD and Blu-Ray release on April 8, which will include bonus features.
Exploring the Emotional Depth of “En fanfare”
In 2024, “En fanfare” emerged as a cinematic gem that captivated audiences with its heartfelt storytelling. With nearly 2.6 million admissions in France, this film continues to resonate with viewers, still gracing the screens of various cinemas. Fans can also look forward to its DVD and Blu-Ray release on April 8, making it accessible for home viewing.
A Surprising Twist: The Alternative Ending
For those who haven’t yet watched the film and wish to avoid spoilers, it’s best to pause here! “En fanfare” concludes on an incredibly emotional note, highlighted by a powerful Boléro performance featuring the entire band. While the film implies the character portrayed by Benjamin Lavernhe faces a tragic fate due to his terminal illness, it deliberately opts for a non-explicit conclusion. The character’s demise is neither shown nor confirmed, leaving viewers in suspense.
Co-screenwriter Irène Muscari addressed the film’s ambiguous ending during a recent podcast episode of “Et Le Scénario.” When interviewer Baptiste Rambaud suggested the ending was ‘pessimistic,’ Muscari replied, “Our ending is open, isn’t it? Are we sure he dies?” Many young viewers have expressed their belief that the character may still be alive, leaving the film’s conclusion open to interpretation.
Muscari revealed a fascinating insight: an alternate ending was written and filmed but ultimately cut from the final version. “The director is talented and decided it was better to sacrifice a very beautiful ending sequence to ensure an emotionally uplifting conclusion,” she explained. This decision, made during the film’s editing phase, was not easy for Muscari to accept initially.
Rambaud inquired if they had initially intended to provide a definitive conclusion. Courcol, the director and co-screenwriter, responded affirmatively, hinting that the alternate ending would be included as a bonus feature on the upcoming DVD/Blu-Ray release. Muscari reflected on the painful decision to cut the scene, noting that it was a late-stage change that ultimately enhanced the film’s emotional impact.
Courcol concluded, “What distinguishes a script from the final film is that certain sequences, while beautiful on paper, may not serve the story as effectively on screen.” This nuanced approach to storytelling is what makes “En fanfare” a remarkable film.
Listeners can tune into the “Et le scénario” podcast, produced by the European City of Screenwriters, which showcases various audiovisual professions discussing their relationship with screenwriting. In this special episode, five nominees for the 2025 César for Best Original Screenplay, including Emmanuel Courcol and Irène Muscari, delve into the creative process behind their films.