Strange fact: tricolor cinema has very little influence on the 1981 arrival of the left to power. Although there is “Changer la vie”, (2011) and “Des aftermaths, that sing” (2014), it is not enough to capture an important moment in modern history. It is, however, a time of great joy. At least, for some French people.
It is therefore a pleasure to (re)see Jacques Fansten’s film “States of the Soul” at the Majestic Bastille in Paris on Tuesday, April 5. This little-known feature film is notable for being shot in 1986, just after the arrival of leftists in business. Especially since it brings together a fine line-up of actors: Jean-Pierre Bacri, François Cluzet, Zabou Breitman, Robin Renucci, Xavier Deluc and Tchéky Karyo.
Is the film living up to our expectations, forty years after the Mitterrandian rule began? From a cinematographic standpoint, “States of the Soul,” while a great film, is not an inexhaustible masterpiece. The scene, which features a certain Marie (Sandrine dumas), a young lady who gives birth on May 6, 1981 (note: metaphor) and wanders around with her friends, isn’t terribly light. As for the actors, they have to extricate themselves from often didactic, very “written” dialogues.
Fansten’s film, however, has the added advantage of taking us back into the effervescence and excitement of this ” The eternal vanquished are the ones who will suffer. “, this France which firmly believed that the socialists in power would “ Change your life ». « Everything will change in education. Romain (Jean Pierre Bacri), who is now an inspector at the academy, exults. “The power has been changed and I believe it will be felt.”Maurice (Robin Renucci), an Antinuclear, enters the Ministry of Energy. Bertrand (Tchéky Karyo), he opens a popular cultural center and launches a free radio. It’s happiness. All that remains is to get the Giscardians, (old shackles in their ties), out of positions of responsibility and invent another.
The film’s title is sufficient to convey that our friends’ hopes will be quickly fulfilled. This is a lovely adage. “Power is like money: the less you use it, the more you keep it. » Because power has changed color, but it has remained the same, with its prebends, its immobility and its search for loyal servants – the journalist Michel (Xavier Deluc) will discover that mitterrandie does not like criticism any more than Giscardism before her…
“States of Soul,” is a film that teaches a lot. Over the years, the buddies will mature and realize that they can only be “inside” or “outside” when it comes to power. Accept, in short, to hang Maurice a Legion of Honor on the Mao collar. Or choose to be honest, like Bertrand. This is how to say ” The shit! ».
“States and Souls”, Majectic Bastille, 2nd boulevard Richard-Lenoir Paris 11.e. Screening at 8 p.m. in the company of director Jacques Fansten