Engine! It must be said quickly. The financiers would like a happy ending. The producer lies like he breathes. The main actor has quirks. In short, the filming of The Irreducibles is off to a bad start. The director pulls out the little hair he has left. This committed filmmaker has, however, seen others.
Simon would really like to be able to tell the story of these workers ready to do anything to save their factory. He almost swears that this will be his last film. His hopes now rest in the making-of for which a certain Joseph is responsible. “Whose son is he?”, asks the director, not really fooled by the habits and customs of his environment. Answer: from no one. The boy is a pizza maker with a passion for the seventh art. Everything happens.
In front of the camera, the protagonists go on strike. Behind, the technicians were quick to imitate them. Money is running out. The promised million euros has evaporated. Suddenly there is talk of unpaid overtime, of participation. Big ruckus. Simon is on the verge of throwing down the gauntlet. In Making of, Denis Podalydès relishes himself in the skin of this intellectual in a hat at the end of his tether. His relationship is struggling. He stuffs himself with tablets. His assistant supports him at arm’s length. The star plays concerned, asking too many questions. Above all, it’s not about questioning your ego. This wealthy person has moods. How to play a toothless person?
Also read: Denis Podalydès: “Maurice Pialat would no longer be able to film the way he was filming”
Here he is who has insomnia, who disturbs his partners in the middle of the night. On film, people wonder if they should accept a bonus before being fired. In reality, the team is reluctant to continue without being paid. Mise en abyme, film within a film, Laughing Cow effect, call it what you want: the result is twisting, striking the corner of common sense, not devoid of depth.
What happens to Cédric Kahn? A few months ago, his Goldman Trial was a success. He returns with this social comedy which, in a different genre, hits the dark side of the target. His American Night is full of shouting matches generally followed by noisy reconciliations, real rain disrupting the work plan, nervous breakdowns and arguments on Zoom. He casts a critical and benevolent eye on these celluloid artisans, pointing out the contradictions of the system as a good politician. Malraux had already underlined the hiatus between art and industry. His diagnosis is brilliantly illustrated here, thanks to outstanding actors.
Podalydès is impeccable, as usual. Jonathan Cohen deserves slaps, so much so that he adopts the faults of the histrionic star. This actor is still perfect for the moment. Don’t let us screw it up by using it indiscriminately. Xavier Beauvois, a big, elusive teddy bear, wins the prize as a chafouin, crafty, indelicate mogul. He lies like he breathes. You would believe it. Normally, The Irreducibles should be rewarded at Cannes. Or the Caesars. Cut!
“Making of”, comedy by Cédric Kahn. With Denis Podalydès, Jonathan Cohen, Stefan Crepon, Souheila Yacoub. Duration: 1h54.
Le Figaro’s opinion: 3/4.
