A fresh take on François Ozon’s ‘When Fall Is Coming’
A new chapter in French cinema
In a series of significant deals, the renowned French production-sales agency Playtime has secured extensive distribution for François Ozon’s latest film, When Fall Is Coming. This film, which is set to premiere in the main competition at the San Sebastian Film Festival, has already found homes in major territories such as Italy, CIS, Spain, and Canada.
Expanding horizons
Playtime has further extended its reach by closing deals with various distributors across Europe and beyond. These include Vertigo Media in Hungary, September Films in Benelux, Panda in Austria, Aurora in Poland, Filmcoopi in Switzerland, A-One Baltics, Outsider Film in Portugal, Filmtrade in Greece, Beta Films in Bulgaria, and Arthouse Traffic in Ukraine. This widespread interest underscores the film’s universal appeal and the anticipation surrounding its release.
A tale of moral complexity
When Fall Is Coming weaves a complex narrative that is both intricate and seemingly effortless. The story unfolds through the lives of two elderly friends, Michelle and Marie-Claude, whose interactions are laced with subtle hints of deeper, darker undertones. One memorable scene involves the two women foraging for wild mushrooms, a seemingly innocent activity that takes on a more sinister edge as the story progresses.
Ozon’s storytelling is masterful, using everyday domestic settings like the garden, the dinner table, and a stroll with a grandson to build layers of moral ambiguity and personal history. The film invites viewers to question their perceptions and the nature of reality, much like life itself, where control and certainty are often elusive.
The art of ambiguity
Ozon’s approach to storytelling is deliberate and thought-provoking. He believes in the intelligence of his audience, allowing them to interpret the story’s moral complexities. “It’s like in life; you don’t control everything, and you don’t know everything,” Ozon reflects. His narrative style mirrors the evasions and selective ignorance that people often employ to cope with life’s uncertainties. “Sometimes you decide not to know. You prefer to sweep it under the carpet. It’s easier, I think, to survive.”
A stellar cast
The film stars Hèléne Vincent as Michelle and reunites Ozon with Ludivine Sagnier, who plays her 40-year-old daughter Valérie. The cast also includes Pierre Lottin as Marie-Claude’s adult son and newcomer Garlan Erlos as Sagnier’s young son Lucas. Cesar winner Josiane Balasko, known for her comedic roles, portrays Marie-Claude, bringing a different kind of resilience to the character. “Michelle is a force of nature. She wants to live. She doesn’t want to be destroyed by grief. For Marie-Claude, it’s something totally different; she’s consumed by guilt,” Ozon explains.
Challenging stereotypes
When Fall Is Coming shines a spotlight on older women and their often under-explored stories. Ozon aimed to challenge the stereotypes surrounding elderly women in cinema. “I wanted to kill this cliché. It was very important to make a film with the leads as old actresses because too often they are just a supporting part, a caricature, and they don’t have a place in the film. For this, I wanted to have them at the center of the film,” he says.
A diverse career
Produced by Ozon’s own FOZ Production in co-production with France 2 Cinéma and Playtime, When Fall Is Coming marks another entry in his prolific and varied career. Ozon’s ability to continually reinvent himself and explore different themes and styles is a testament to his versatility as a filmmaker. “I like diversity in cinema. I like to change. I like to make a film in contrast to the one I’ve just finished. In cinema, I like not to repeat myself,” he shares.
Practical wisdom
Many filmmakers struggle to sustain long careers, but Ozon’s practical approach has been a key factor in his success. “I come from short films. We had no money, so we made films with no money. I had to know the price of things,” he recalls. This pragmatic mindset, influenced by his mentor Eric Rohmer, has helped him navigate the challenges of the film industry.
As When Fall Is Coming gears up for its competition slot in San Sebastian, Ozon’s sustained and prolific career continues to thrive, offering audiences yet another compelling and thought-provoking cinematic experience.