-Written by Michelle Vorob.
2024 FILM MAUDIT 2.0 REVIEW!
La Reproduction is a short film by Jean-Marie Villeneuve that follows the mundane, solitary home life of an ordinary man (Franc Bruneau). Technically, it's a French film, however, there is absolutely no dialogue. Regardless, the human experience being universal, La Reproduction is easily understood, that is, until the end, which provides an unexpected mindfuck. Can I curse? This warrants a curse.
La Reproduction opens with this man eating at his dining table. Sparse apartment. Would be very nice if it was decorated, but he's a single guy. Ordinary but nice meal after coming home. Classical music playing. This is his routine.
Suddenly, he hears noise across the street. He looks through the window. A new neighbor (Sebastien Novac) has moved in. Another ordinary man, but this man seems stylish. This man plays trendy music. This man has friends. This man has a housewarming party and who does “our” man see, but his unrequited school crush (Laure Anna Franques) and she seems to be the new neighbor's girlfriend.
This sets “our” man on a mission. He starts to buy what that man has, changing his clothes, music, food and buying artwork. He tries to change the very essence of himself, until he sees something across the way that makes him revert to his old self.
Now, in a normal story, this would be the part where our main character, having gained more self confidence from his experience, begins to achieve what he wants. Change is never easy, but trying to be something or someone you're not is a recipe for disaster. Coming into your own, becoming a better version of yourself, that's the goal.
Is that what La Reproduction is showing us? I would like to think that's the overall message of this film, however, the ending is so unexpected and such an awesome mindfuck that you will be left wondering what it actually was. I don’t want to ruin it by explaining what happens at the end, because I want you to watch it and experience it for yourself. Is it an actual chain of events we see? Is it a metaphor? Is it a dream? Maybe this film should be played in a philosophy class, because there are a myriad of ways La Reproduction can and should be interpreted.
This unexpected little gem is one of the reasons I love film, television, and all the creative souls who contribute in front of and behind the scenes. Someone has an idea that is then written and executed so well that it leaves an indelible mark.
When I sat down to watch La Reproduction, I wasn't sure what to expect. I was just hoping to not hate it. I certainly didn't expect to see one of the most thought-provoking and satisfying endings I can recall. I'm not trying to oversell it, I'm just saying it took me to a place I didn't expect and never saw coming. Thank You.
Written and Directed by Jean-Marie Villeneuve.
Starring Franc Bruneau, Laure Anna Franques, Sebastien Novac & Julie Therond.
10/10 = DROP EVERYTHING AND WATCH IT NOW
