I adore French films with subtitles, it not only helps with my learning and understanding of the French language but the French stories have intriguing and unusual plots.
Happening or L’evenement is the acclaimed new film from BAFTA-nominated director Audrey Diwan. It is raw and real and one all young women and men should watch. No wonder it was the Winner of the Golden Lion and FIPRESCI Prize at the 2021 Venice Film Festival.
Based on Diwan’s intimate adaptation of Annie Ernaux’s autobiographical novel her themes, created from its source material are written and produced with honesty and simplicity. The result is a gripping, poignant and timely sophomore feature. Wonderful acting by clever young actors.
The Story
The film is reminiscent of the days when public phone booths were the main source of telecommunication, women’s freedom ofchoice was suppressed by discriminative laws, a society that condemned women for human mistakes and of taboo subjects.
The timeline is 1963 in France, a powerful and emotional story, superbly written about Anne (Anamaria Vartolomei) a bright young student with a promising future ahead of her.
But when she falls pregnant, at a time when the laws forbid termination, she sees the opportunity to finish her studies and escape the constraints of her social background disappearing.
A very personal encounter of a young woman’s somewhat innocent dilemma sharing it with no one. With her final exams fast approaching and her pregnancy progressing she has no other alternative but to find a resolution that includes risking her life.
Some themes made me squirm and I wondered how many poor young girls suffered the same fate in the real world. It was the era when male doctors did not approve of abortions. Anne resolves to act, even if she has to confront shame and pain, a reflection of the times.
A compelling, captivating, confronting journey of a young woman’s intimate, painful and solitary struggle.
“He’s not bad is he?”
“But if you pick one, and if he’s the wrong one…”
Cast
Director: Audrey Diwan
Producer: Edouard Weil
Written by: Audrey Diwan and Marcia Romano
Starring:
Anamaria Vartolomei, Luana Bajrami, Louise Orry-Diquero, Kacey Mottet Klein
In cinemas 14 April 2022
On the birth of her two grandsons, Ruth Greening experienced an awakening in her life and entering Gen GP (Generation Grandparent) she was given the moniker Nanny Babe as her ‘grandmother’ title. She found things had changed since her child rearing days, and an adjustment to new parenting concepts was required. Hence the birth of the Nanny Babe blog from a baby boomers perspective.
Ruth holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Philosophy, completing this degree while working as a hairdresser and supporting her two children as a single mother. Ruth has worked in the corporate world for approximately thirty years and has recently retired to address her artistic passions.
She is experienced in senior management positions, marketing, modelling, commercials, film, community radio and writing.
Nanny Babe is active with her hobbies—fitness, writing, blogging, jewellery, crafts, singing, dancing, memoirs, mentoring and now faces diversity and self-discovery on her recent ‘retirement’ path. Connect with Nanny Babe on her blog – hit the link above!