F... comme Fairbanks (1976)
Directed by Maurice Dugowson

Comedy / Drama

Film Review

Abstract picture representing F... comme Fairbanks (1976)
F... comme Fairbanks paints a depressingly realistic portrait of a young man struggling against seemingly insurmountable odds to find purpose and fulfilment in his life.  It was made at a time of serious economic decline in France and the sense of hopelessness endemic in the young unemployed at the time is apparent throughout the film.

The film charts the decline in the mental state of its principal character, André (ironically nicknamed Fairbanks after the legendary American actor Douglous Fairbanks).  As it does so, it undergoes a progressive shift in cinematic style, making this an uncomfortable film to watch.  Starting as a light comedy, the film switches gear half-way through and ends in high drama.  That the film reaches its climax on the set of a production of Alice in Wonderland adds a nice touch of irony, reminding us that life is always a mixture of reality and fantasy.

The main reason for the film's impact is a hugely forceful performance from Patrick Dewaere, arguably the best French film actor of the 1970s.  His role in this film is typical of the part which, in his short but brilliant acting career, he made his own - the loser, a dreamer, a social misfit, played with a rare intensity and a sense of tragic heroism.
© James Travers 2000
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.

Film Synopsis

André Fragman (baptised “Fairbanks” by his cinema projectionist father) returns from his military service with a diploma in chemistry.  He expects to have no trouble finding a job, since a relative of his, Etienne, has promised him a place in his company.  Meanwhile, André meets and falls in love with a student actress, Marie, who is rehearsing for a stage production of Alice in Wonderland.  When André's promised job fails to materialise, he ends up having to take manual work, but he has difficulty holding down any job he can find.  Frustrated, his mood changes for the worse, and he ends up driving away Marie...
© James Travers
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.


Film Credits

  • Director: Maurice Dugowson
  • Script: Maurice Dugowson, Jacques Dugowson
  • Cinematographer: André Diot
  • Music: Patrick Dewaere, Roland Vincent
  • Cast: Patrick Dewaere (André), Miou-Miou (Marie), John Berry (Fragman), Michel Piccoli (Etienne), Jean-Michel Folon (Jean-Pierre), Christiane Tissot (Sylvie), Diane Kurys (Annick), Jean Lescot (Jeannot le régisseur), Jean de Coninck (Le photographe), Evane Hanska (Françoise), Thierry Lhermitte (Le jeune cadre), Guiguin Moro (L'assistante), Christian Clavier (Le serveur), Yves Barsacq (Le vieux cadre), Jenny Clève (La grand-mère), Marc Lamole (Le patron du bistrot), Jacques Dichamp (Le vieux du bistrot), Michel Poujade (Le délégue syndical), Jean-Claude Penchenat (Un comédien d'Alice au pays des merveilles), Jonathan Sutton (Un comédien d'Alice au pays des merveilles)
  • Country: France
  • Language: French
  • Support: Color
  • Runtime: 110 min

The very best of the French New Wave
sb-img-14
A wave of fresh talent in the late 1950s, early 1960s brought about a dramatic renaissance in French cinema, placing the auteur at the core of France's 7th art.
The history of French cinema
sb-img-8
From its birth in 1895, cinema has been an essential part of French culture. Now it is one of the most dynamic, versatile and important of the arts in France.
French cinema during the Nazi Occupation
sb-img-10
Even in the dark days of the Occupation, French cinema continued to impress with its artistry and diversity.
The best French Films of the 1920s
sb-img-3
In the 1920s French cinema was at its most varied and stylish - witness the achievements of Abel Gance, Marcel L'Herbier, Jean Epstein and Jacques Feyder.
The best of British film comedies
sb-img-15
British cinema excels in comedy, from the genius of Will Hay to the camp lunacy of the Carry Ons.
 

Other things to look at


Copyright © filmsdefrance.com 1998-2024
All rights reserved



All content on this page is protected by copyright