Yesterday I finished watching ‘588 Rue Paradis’. I was casually browsing through the French movies on Netflix a few days ago when I chanced upon this movie. It was an autobiographical movie by Henri Verneuil produced in the 90’s. I’ve found that I really like older, independent French movies. There’s a certain sentiment that is carried through many of these films that’s kind of hard to explain properly in words. French culture is known to be a melting pot of many different cultures: European, Middle Eastern, African, etc… So it is really interesting to see how each filmmaker portrays their protagonists and antagonists and the struggle to conform within French society while also preserving their ethnic identity.
This film was about an Armenian-French engineer turned playwright who writes hit after hit but is unhappy with where he has ended up in life. He has a successful career, a trophy wife, two children, and has made a name for himself in society. However, he struggles with coming to terms with his dual identities and his true self. The character is middle aged and it can be said that he is experiencing somewhat of a mid-life crisis. But instead of foolish pursuals, he decides to look into himself to find who he is and where his identity and future lies. There were no real nail-biting scenes or a hit climax but it’s evident when the character changes and makes realizations.
A lot of first generation immigrants, especially those who immigrated as children and grew up with an adopted identity in a new society would be able to relate very much to this storyline. The sentiments, feelings, doubts, and all the other emotions that arise throughout adolescence and adulthood are very beautifully expressed in this film.
I’m becoming fan of independent films now, more than the mainstream blockbusters. There’s just so much more substance and thought in these films that make them worth your time. So if you get the chance, definitely Netflix this movie!
Curing Procrastination 