Festivals - FCAD 2024 : Claude Lelouch's Finalement Closes the Deauville American Film Festival

By Mulder, Deauville, Centre International de Deauville, 14 september 2024

The 50th edition of the Deauville American Film Festival came to a touching and cinematic close with the highly anticipated screening of Finalement, directed by the legendary Claude Lelouch. As one of France’s most beloved filmmakers, Lelouch's latest film is not only a celebration of his career but also a deeply personal journey that reflects his signature style—a blend of philosophical musings, emotional depth, and masterful storytelling.

Finalement, starring Kad Merad, Elsa Zylberstein, Michel Boujenah, and Sandrine Bonnaire, among other notable actors, tells the story of Lino, a successful lawyer who decides to leave behind the chaos of his career and personal life in search of meaning. What follows is a journey of self-discovery through France, where each encounter brings Lino closer to understanding that, in the end, everything that happens in life is ultimately for our own good. This reflective, introspective narrative is enhanced by Lelouch's trademark style—an exploration of human relationships and the unpredictable nature of life.

One of the standout elements of Finalement is the music, composed by Ibrahim Maalouf, whose trumpet and piano melodies underscore the emotional nuances of Lino’s journey. Lelouch himself has described the film as a "musical road movie," with music playing a central role in its narrative. This symbolic romance between instruments reflects the film’s exploration of human connections, underscoring the importance of listening—to oneself and to others.

At the festival, Lelouch was joined by several members of the star-studded cast, including Elsa Zylberstein, Michel Boujenah, Barbara Pravi and Françoise Gillard . Their presence, along with the film’s warm reception, highlighted Finalement as a significant entry in Lelouch’s illustrious filmography. The screening was more than just a film event—it was a moment of reflection on the filmmaker's decades-long career, which has continuously pushed the boundaries of French cinema.

Though Finalement was screened out of competition at the Venice Film Festival earlier this year, its presence at Deauville carried an additional layer of significance. As the closing film of the 50th Deauville American Film Festival, it felt like a fitting tribute to a filmmaker whose career has been intertwined with the cinematic history of both France and America.

Scheduled for release in France on November 13, 2024, Finalement is a film not to be missed by those who appreciate Lelouch’s signature style—an intricate mix of character-driven stories, philosophical reflections, and an emotional journey that resonates with audiences on a personal level.

As Finalement marks the culmination of Lelouch’s incredible career, his fans eagerly await the November release, which promises to bring yet another piece of cinematic magic to screens across

You can discover our exclusive photos on our Flickr page

Synopsis:
In an increasingly crazy world, Lino, who has decided to leave everything behind, realizes that, in the end, everything that happens to us is for our own good.

Finally (Finalement)
Written and directed by Claude Lelouch
Produced by Victor Hadida, Claude Lelouch
Starring Kad Merad, Elsa Zylberstein, Michel Boujenah, Sandrine Bonnaire, Barbara Pravi, Françoise Gillard, Marianne Denicourt, François Morel, Raphaël Mezrahi, Clémentine Célarié, Lionel Abelanski, Dominique Pinon, Julie Ferrier
Music: Ibrahim Maalouf
Songs : Didier Barbelivien
Director of photography : Maximr Héraud
Editing: Stéphane Mazalaigue
Production company: Les Films 13
Distributed by Metropolitan Films (France)
Release date: November 13, 2024 (France)
Running time: 127 minutes

Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville