Also known as L’Homme qui voulait vivre sa vie, The Big Picture proved to be another excellent film. “Thank you for choosing this f—— film,” director Eric Lartigau told the capacity crowd at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The f—— film focuses on Paul Exben, played by Roman Duris. Early in the film, his learns that his marriage has collapsed. Paul confronts Grégoire, his wife’s lover, and accidentally kills the man. He realizes that he must disappear so he assumes Grégoire’s identity and moves to the Balkans.
The film is a dark character study of a tragic hero. Lartigau often films the protagonist from a side, allowing the audience to experience the thoughts and emotions of the man. He also uses trailing shots from behind to single the man out in crowds. These lengthy shots permit viewers to relate to Paul and understand that although he killed a man, he is not necessarily a bad man.
Certain symbols, like a storm at sea representing Paul’s turmoil or sunlight peaking through clouds offering him a chance at redemption may be clichéd but they are not overused. The screenplay offers a unique take on the slow but suspenseful psychological thriller. The Balkan countryside is a fitting location to set a film which defies conventional genres. It is anonymous, broken-down, and charming all at once — the perfect setting for someone trying to start over.
Paul and Grégoire had always been rivals. Both were amateur photographers but Paul eschewed the craft and became a successful lawyer. Grégoire continued to work as a freelance photographer but suffered very poor results. Ironically, when Paul starts his new life, he chooses to become a photographer and experienced international acclaim. Only Bartholomé, the drunken magazine photo editor who Googled Paul/Grégoire is able to see through the deception; everyone else buys into the Hollywood story.
Of course, given Paul’s past, his triumph is unsustainable… ****