Les Bêtises is a 2015 French comedy film written and directed by Rose and Alice Philippon. It is the first feature-length film by the Philippon sisters and is an adaptation of Rose Philippon's short film created during her studies at La Fémis.
Synopsis
François (Jérémie Elkaïm) is a dreamy, awkward man in his thirties who was adopted as a child. He initiates efforts to contact his biological mother, Élise (Anne Alvaro), who does not wish to meet him. After obtaining her contact information, he visits her home anyway and discovers a party being prepared. He poses as an extra hired to serve at the event in order to approach his mother, but his clumsiness soon draws attention.
Technical details
- Directors and writers: Rose Philippon, Alice Philippon
- Produced by: Antoine Denis
- Cinematography: Nicolas Gaurin
- Editing: Nicolas Desmaison
- Music: Fred Avril
- Production companies: Asa Films, Rezo Productions
- Distributed by: Rezo Films
- Release dates: 10 June 2015 (Cabourg Film Festival), 22 July 2015 (France)
- Running time: 79 minutes
- Country: France
- Language: French
- Budget: $2.1 million
- Box office: $490,000
Cast
- Jérémie Elkaïm as François
- Sara Giraudeau as Sonia
- Jonathan Lambert as Fabrice
- Anne Alvaro as Élise
- Alexandre Steiger as Philippe
- Jacques Weber as André
- Frédéric Pierrot as the civil servant
- Cécile Fisera as Young Élise
- Marie Seux as Irène
- Béatrice de Staël as Édith
- Yvon Wust as René
Accolades
- César Awards (41st ceremony, 2016): Nomination for Most Promising Actress (Meilleur espoir féminin) — Sara Giraudeau
- Lumière Awards (21st ceremony, 2016): Nomination for Best Female Revelation (Prix Lumières du meilleur espoir féminin) — Sara Giraudeau
Production background
The film is the debut feature of sisters Rose and Alice Philippon. It expands upon Rose Philippon's short film created as her graduation project at La Fémis. The project was developed into a feature-length format after she met producer Antoine Denis. The film was shot in the Grand Est region, notably in Bas-Rhin (Strasbourg area). The title references the song "Les Bêtises" by French singer Sabine Paturel.
