Cast
View AllJimmy Tavares
as Étienne
Ariane Ascaride
as Caroline
Jonathan Zaccaï
as Laurent
Hélène Surgère
as La grand-mère
Lucas Bonnifait
as Ludovic
Frédéric Gorny
as L'homme de la falaise
Nicolas Pontois
as Le copain patineur
Frédéric Sendon
as Le client de la librairie
Marcelle Lamy
as Madame Langrune
Frédéric Voldman
as L'entraîneur
Aliette Langolff-Colas
as La jeune femme de la fête foraine
Hanako Bron
as Vanessa
Camille Dumalanède
as Élise
Crew
Director
- Olivier Ducastel
- Jacques Martineau
Writer
- Jacques Martineau
- Olivier Ducastel
Producer
- Nicolas Blanc
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, My Life on Ice 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 Olivier Ducastel 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 2003, 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 My Life on Ice took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 102 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 123 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2003, when this film is released:
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- 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 My Life on Ice shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike What's the Matter with Gerald?, which focuses more on action than character development, My Life on Ice subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Maybe... Maybe Not and The Party explore similar territory, My Life on Ice stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 26, 2003
- Runtime: 1h 42m