Guillaume de Tonquédec plays a well-known, successful author, returning to his home town for the first time since graduating high school 35 years ago. The town, famous for its cognac, if little else. But for Tonquédec it was source material for his many romantic novels, one secretly based on his own first love back in 1984 with a popular, but deeply closeted boy. There’s a public event to speak at, but he’s really there to find his own past . . . and possible new inspiration as his well of usable memories has run dry. Instead, he meets the man’s son (Victor Belmondo), a likable cognac rep in his thirties, running a tour for Stateside distributors, mostly from California where he now lives. From this setup, co-writer/director Olivier Peyon jumps smoothly back & forth between the two time periods with decidedly awkward encounters, well-observed, if a bit obvious, but ultimately rather touching as the son gains a bit of understanding toward his distanced father while Tonquédec starts to figure out what’s been creatively holding him back. Peyon is particularly fine succinctly etching in the over-eager locals, proud and a bit mystified at the impulsive native son who became a national treasure. Will he even show for the speech? And what will he actually say? Something off-topic for sure. (Fortunately, enough cognac will be flowing so no one should notice!) And while the film is pleasant company and heartfelt, it also gives out the undeniable vibe of a jarring hard-R-rated BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN: the After-School Special.
ATTENTION MUST BE PAID: The teen couple, Julien De Saint (as the boy who stays) and Jean Jérémy Gillet (as author designate) are both excellent. But, Gillet in particular, is not only fit & very lean, but boasts the sort of striking muscle definition you simply wouldn’t have come across in 1984. (Especially on a dreamy literary kid.) Youthful actors with modern gym-rat bods look great, but can easily kill period verisimilitude.
DOUBLE BILL: André Téchiné’s WILD REEDS / LES ROSEAUX SAUVAGES/’94 remains the go-to title for this type of gay-angled coming-of-age pics, at least in France.
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