Cast
View AllThierry Lhermitte
as Maître Nicolas Bervesier
Alice Taglioni
as Maître Margot Dittermann
Jocelyn Quivrin
as Maître Victor Bandini
Pascale Arbillot
as Juliette
Julie Ferrier
as Eleonor
Antonio Cauchois
as Le père de Margot
Denise Aron-Schropfer
as La mère de Margot
Farid Bentoumi
as Emmanuel
Isabelle Cagnat
as Femme couple
Joe Sheridan
as Goudal
Olivier Balazuc
as Homme couple
Scali Delpeyrat
as Maître Bertrand Lavoisier
Thierry Gimenez
as Mercier
Crew
Director
- Léa Fazer
Writer
- Léa Fazer
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, What If...? examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Léa Fazer brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2008, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of What If...? took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 113 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 473 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 62 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2008, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While What If...? shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Peasants, which focuses more on action than character development, What If...? offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Look Who's Talking Too and Wuthering Heights explore similar territory, What If...? stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 13, 2008
- Runtime: 1h 27m