Movies - Second round : the first image of Albert Dupontel's new film unveiled

By Mulder, 18 may 2023

Albert Dupontel is certainly one of the most important actors, comedians and directors in French cinema. His career spans several decades and he has made a notable contribution to the film industry.

Focus on his previous films as a director:
- Bernie (1996): Dupontel's first film, in which he also plays the lead role, Bernie Noël, a mentally handicapped man who becomes a professional killer.
- The Creator (1999): Dupontel wrote, directed and starred in this dark comedy about a man who invents a machine that can turn trash into food.
- The Villain (2009): Dupontel directed and starred in this comedy film, playing a man who decides to become a villain to get his son's attention.
- 9 Months stretch (2013): Dupontel directed and co-wrote this comedy film, in which he also played a secondary role, that of a serial killer. The film revolves around a woman who finds herself pregnant with the child of a criminal.
- See you up there (2017): Directed and co-written by Dupontel, this historical drama is based on the novel by Pierre Lemaitre. The film follows two soldiers who develop a scam after World War I.
- Bye Be Morons (2020): Albert Dupontel wrote, directed and starred in this dark comedy about a terminally ill woman's quest to find her child, with the help of a suicidal man and an archivist.

Focus on his main themes:
The main themes of Albert Dupontel's films often revolve around dark comedy, social commentary and unconventional characters placed in absurd or extreme situations. His films frequently explore the human condition, societal problems and the complexity of relationships. Some common themes found in his work include:
- Absurdity and satire: Dupontel often uses absurd and satirical elements to challenge societal norms, mock institutions and highlight the absurdity of certain aspects of human existence.
- Social Criticism: Many of Dupontel's films address social issues and criticize society's shortcomings. He addresses issues such as bureaucracy, injustice, corruption and the struggles faced by marginalized people.
- Unconventional characters: Dupontel frequently portrays unconventional and complex characters who are often outcasts or misfits. These characters challenge traditional expectations and often find themselves in extraordinary circumstances.
- Dark Humor: Humor plays an important role in Dupontel's films, often juxtaposing dark and tragic situations with comic elements. He skillfully combines humor and tragedy to explore the human capacity for resilience in the face of adversity.
- Redemption and empathy: Despite the often dark and cynical tone of his films, Dupontel's work also conveys a sense of empathy and the possibility of redemption. His characters, despite their flaws, often embark on journeys of self-discovery and personal growth.

Focus on Second Tour, his new film:
Overall, Albert Dupontel's films blend dark comedy, social criticism and unconventional characters to create challenging and often provocative stories that question the audience's perceptions and provoke reflection on the human condition. His new film Second Tour, which he directed, wrote and starred in again, certainly takes up the themes that are dear to him. His casting allows him to find the actor Nicolas Marié with whom he has worked several times but also the actress Cécile De France. This film will be presented as a preview during the Soirée des Passionnés reserved for Cinépass subscribers at the Cinémas Pathé on Friday June 9. Our review will be online on June 10.

Synopsis:
A disgraced political journalist placed in the soccer section, Miss Pove is asked to follow the presidential campaign between the two rounds. The favorite is Pierre-Henry Mercier, heir to a powerful French family and a political novice. Troubled by this candidate whom she has known to be less smooth, Miss Pove embarks on an investigation as surprising as it is jubilant.

Second round
Written and directed by Albert Dupontel
Produced by Catherine Bozorgan
With Albert Dupontel, Cécile De France, Nicolas Marié
Director of photography : Julien Poupard
Production companies: ADCB Films, Manchester Films, Pathé
Distributed by Pathé
Release date: October 25, 2023 (France)
Running time: 95 minutes