The opening graphics of Yannick, with the classic bosom statue dividing first and surnames, followed by the title “Yannick”, foreshadow the style of the movie that is soon to follow. An experiment unfolds before our eyes, served by an unconventional filmmaker.
Set in one of the oldest theaters of Paris, in a less than desirable neighborhood, where nightlife is slow, and as it is said in the film, “barely any place is open after 11 PM,” the story kicks off with a master shot of the stage. The theater sets the perfect backdrop for this unique narrative.
The film opens with a comedy being performed on stage. Three actors take part, two portray a couple on the night the woman confesses her affair and new romance with a man suffering from “serious gut problems” in the bathroom. The audience’s laughter is occasional, and their enthusiasm is lukewarm. Suddenly, a young man, Yannick, jumps up from his seat and voices his opinion: “It is shit.” Honest and to the point.
Yannick’s complaint is not just about the quality of the show but also the effort the performers put in vs. what he put into getting there—a 45-minute journey to Paris, a 15-minute walk, and a day off from his job as a night watchman at a parking lot, all for entertainment he is not receiving. He says he is depressed, and since the play started he has been gradually feeling worse and worse.
After a rapid-fire exchange of dialogue, mostly insults with the lead actor Paul, Yannick is thrown out of the theater. However, as the actors and audience try to laugh off the tense situation and resume the play, Yannick returns with a gun. He shares his plan: he will write a play for the actors to perform.
The movie’s premise challenges the status quo of both society and filmmaking. Director Quentin Dupieux’s (Rubber) signature dark humor is present, although the film lacks his usual extreme surrealism. This 66-minute breath-of-fresh-air film proves that even with a limited number of actors, one location, and a multidimensional story, a compelling film can be made on a shoestring budget. Shot in six days, in a single location, and in chronological order. One word: Wow!
The film touches on themes of social class differences, power struggles, mental health issues, and the reasons why we only respect and hear some people if they have a gun in their hand. Yannick sparks numerous questions and strikes emotional chords. A young audience member’s severe anxiety requires medication that puts him to sleep. The actors on stage feel burnt-out and disappointed by their careers. Yannick feels marginalized, his parents passed away and his girlfriend left him. He is hungry for love.
The movie’s simple shooting style, deep color tones, classic stage setting, and Yannick smoking a cigarette on stage create a cinematic atmosphere. The script is well-written, with distinct, three-dimensional characters, even those with only a few lines. It references the current world with sharp, witty lines and situational comedy.
Source: MUBI
Normally, I am not a fan of movies overloaded with dialogue, as that characteristic is more suited to theater plays. Movies are visual beasts. However, Yannick’s story is simple yet multidimensional, with unexpected beat shifts and long chains of tiny situations and conversations. The location is wonderfully used, with interactions happening simultaneously in various parts of the theater.
Raphael Quenard’s (Junkyard Dog) portrayal of Yannick proves him to be one of the most stellar new actors. His performance captures the depth of a man who wants to be understood and treated with care. Quenard’s training in clowning shows, with his intellect and hypersensitivity shining through. He plays multiple layers of depth and emotion simultaneously, his eyes alone speaking thousands of words. The supporting cast, especially the couple who run a driving school and the actors on stage, do a wonderful job supporting Quenard’s performance, which earned him his first César Award nomination.
Though the film ultimately lacks a punchline or a real emotional catharsis, it remains noteworthy. Yannick is a great way to spend an extra hour, sure to entertain you while its last five minutes leave you pondering on our world and collective behavior long after the credits roll.
Yannick is now available on MUBI.
~ by Dora Endre ~
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