Cast
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Marion Cotillard
as Gabrielle
Louis Garrel
as André Sauvage
Àlex Brendemühl
as José
Brigitte Roüan
as Adéle
Victoire du Bois
as Jeannine
Aloïse Sauvage
as Agostine
Daniel Para
as Martin
Jihwan Kim
as Blaise
Victor Quilichini
as Marc - 14 ans
Ange Black-Bereyziat
as Marc Rabascal à 7 ans
Sören Rochefort
as Georget
Camilo Acosta Mendoza
as Camilo
Francisco Alfonsin
as Paco
Julio Bollullo Carasco
as Julio
Folco Jullien
as Un garçon à la fête
Crew
Director
- Nicole Garcia
Producer
- Alain Attal
Reviews
CinemaSerf
From an early age, "Gabrielle" (Marion Cotillard) has shown a bit of a rebellious spirit. As a girl, she was determined not to obey her parental wish to marry the local "Jose" (a subtly nuanced effort from Alex Brendemühl) - even though he was quite fond of her, and as a result she lived in the semi-seclusion that befitted an unwed girl in rural France. Her "break" comes in the unlikely form of some kidney stones that necessitates a trip to an Alpine hospital. It's here that she encounters the recovering "André" (Louis Garrel) who has just returned from French Indochina shell-shocked and badly wounded. There's a little of a Wildred Owen poem to this drama, I thought. It shows us the results of the horrors of war, the after effects and trauma, but there's also a degree of hope and optimism as their love story takes shape and maybe, just maybe, there's scope for contentment somewhere. Cotillard is on solid form as the rather self-obsessed and just a bit flaky "Gabrielle" and though Garrel doesn't have so much to do, he still comes across convincingly as a soldier conflicted by a reality and a dream - it's that conclusion that is quite a touching affair, and causes us to have a think about just who "Gabrielle" actually is. The film looks good and is well scored by Daniel Pemberton which all gives a certain lustre to Cotillard's portrayal of a woman I don't think I'd have liked very much.
Apr 12, 2024
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, From the Land of the Moon 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 Nicole Garcia 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 2016, 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 From the Land of the Moon took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $10.3 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 120 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 151 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 338 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While From the Land of the Moon shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Battle: Freestyle, which focuses more on action than character development, From the Land of the Moon subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like In the Navel of the Sea and Candyman explore similar territory, From the Land of the Moon stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: October 19, 2016
- Runtime: 2h
- Budget: $10,300,000
- Revenue: $47,748
Where to Watch
