Franck Dubosc transitions into black comedy with “A Bear in the Jura,” where he plays Michel, who, along with his wife Cathy, navigates strained finances and a tragic bear encounter. This film, co-written with Sarah Kaminsky, marks Dubosc’s evolution as a filmmaker, diverging from his previous romantic comedies. Featuring a talented cast, including Laure Calamy and Benoît Poelvoorde, it combines dark humor with realism, inviting audiences to engage with its unique narrative.
Franck Dubosc’s Cinematic Evolution
In 2018, Franck Dubosc made his directorial debut with “Everyone Stand Up,” a romantic comedy that captivated over 2.4 million viewers. Known for his role as Patrick Chirac in the beloved “Camping” series, Dubosc showcased his remarkable talent behind the camera, earning an impressive 3.6-star rating from critics and a 3.9-star rating from audiences. This film remains the standout entry in Dubosc’s filmography to date. Following his 2022 release “Rumba la Vie,” Dubosc returns with his latest work, “A Bear in the Jura.”
A Darkly Humorous Journey
In “A Bear in the Jura,” we meet Michel (played by Dubosc) and Cathy (Laure Calamy), a couple facing the strains of time and financial woes. Their conversations have dwindled until a fateful encounter with a bear leads to a tragic accident: Michel collides with a car, resulting in two fatalities and an unexpected stash of cash in the trunk. This shocking event reignites their communication, albeit in a tense and silent manner.
This latest venture marks a significant shift for Dubosc, who co-wrote the film with Sarah Kaminsky. For the first time, he delves into the realm of black comedy with thrilling undertones. The cast includes newcomers to Dubosc’s previous works, such as Laure Calamy, Benoît Poelvoorde, Joséphine de Meaux, and Kim Higelin. Dubosc explains his choice to collaborate with a casting director skilled in ‘author’ films, aiming for a more authentic tone that distinguishes this film from his past comedies.
Reflecting on his growth as a filmmaker, Dubosc shares, “As an actor, I sought love through my roles. Now, I realize the importance of loving myself and pursuing my vision honestly.” He emphasizes that his films resonate more with his personal experiences, having written most of them independently. Dubosc also acknowledges the complexities of playing characters like Patrick Chirac, who are far removed from his true self.
Both Laure Calamy and Benoît Poelvoorde express their surprise upon discovering that “A Bear in the Jura” was a black comedy. Calamy, who portrays Michel’s wife, found the script exceptional and was intrigued by Dubosc’s unexpected direction. Poelvoorde, unfamiliar with Dubosc’s comedic background, was taken aback by the script’s depth and nuance.
Dubosc aims for a serious comedy that pays homage to classics like the Coen brothers’ “Fargo.” He describes the film as a blend of dark humor and realism, stating, “I wanted to create a genre that maintains comedic elements while exploring darker themes.” He elaborates, “Black comedy allows for laughter without relying on forced gags. It’s about sincerity, and the audience decides when to laugh.” A notable moment in the film—a tree-related accident—exemplifies this approach, provoking unexpected laughter amidst horror.
“A Bear in the Jura” is now showing in theaters, inviting audiences to experience Dubosc’s unique blend of humor and poignancy.