"Le Père de mes enfants" by Mia Hansen-Løve

 

Despite her youth and small oeuvre, 29-year-old Mia Hansen-Løve has become one of the great hopes of French cinema. After studying philosophy, working as an actress and contributing to the Cahiers du cinéma for several years, she presented a strong first feature: Tout est pardonné (2007). Her second film, Le Père de mes enfants (The Father of My Children)won a Special Jury Prize at the 2009 Cannes film festival.

 

Le Père de mes enfants was inspired by the life and death of film producer Humbert Balsan, who was originally supposed to produce Hansen-Løve’s directorial debut. In the film, the shockingly laconic moment of death is situated at midpoint. Before that: a story of growing bewilderment and breathlessness. After that: a tale of survival – of those who were left behind. Hansen-Løve demonstrates great courage and maturity: she covers complex emotional states but always goes for the simplest and most unrushed means. Her choice of music at the end is even braver (because it is a hugely famous movie song) – and she is justly rewarded. The moment when youth passes into adulthood has rarely been captured with such dazzling empathy.