Adieu Les cons

Bye Bye Morons is the seventh film written and directed by Albert Dupontel after Bernie (1996), The creator) (1999), (Locked Out (2006), The Vilain (2009), 9 month Stretch (2013) and Au revoir là-haut (2017) (a film that won five César awards including Best Director and Best Adaptation). While we could once again expect a more sober film like the magnificent Au revoir là-haut, director and screenwriter Albert Dupontel is returning to a genre he masters to perfection, the absurd dramatic comedy-drama broaching the shortcomings of our current society as well as leading viewers to reflect on themes close to his heart (the family, the search for love, deceptive appearances). Far from these dramatic comedies that seem to follow the same model, the same rhythm, Albert Dupontel likes to dynamite the genres. From this film, Bye Bye Morons constantly surprises and passes with a perfect tempo from comedy to drama on numerous occasions.

From the first scene the scene is set and we discover Suze Trappet (Virginie Efira) that learns she is suffering from an incurable disease. The little time she has left, she decides to give it up in search of her child, whom she had to abandon when she was only fifteen years old. Her research will lead her to meet a gifted burn-out JB (Albert Dupontel) and a blind archivist (Nicolas Marié) overflowing with life. This original and endearing trio will take the audience on an unforgettable adventure punctuated by moments of pure comedy and more dramatic moments. The great strength of this film is that it is always original. It pays tribute not only to the Monty Python (presence of Terry Gillian and the film is dedicated to Terry Jones) and Charlie Chaplin but also the time of scenes with comedians that we appreciate. This jubilant touch of humour just sounds right all the time and the numerous laughs of the spectators testify to this undeniable efficiency.

Albert Dupontel's great strength is to have succeeded in creating seven films in a true universe of his own. In this, the many spectators who follow his career not only as an actor but also as a director and screenwriter are totally immersed in a world tinged with undeniable tenderness and a true Artist's eye. Far from seeking the easy way out, each of Albert Dupontel's films testifies to the will of a true gifted and perfectionist who traces his path and does not seek to apply predefined marketing rules. In this Bye Bye Morons succeeds in surprising us with many surprises, but above all in giving a real depth to the three main characters. The film never hesitates at any time to type where it hurts, whether it's about law enforcement, hierarchy at work, or even the many inequalities in the workplace.

Bye Bye Morons also benefits from many successful supporting roles and is based on a perfect cast that includes Jackie Berroyer, Philippe Uchan, Michel Vuillermoz, Bouli Lanners, Bastien Ughetto, Grégoire Ludig, Kyan Khojandi and David Marsais. Albert Dupontel once again proves to be an excellent storyteller and screenwriter and gives Virginie Efira one of her best roles. The fragility of her character Suze Trappet, which her entourage seems to have trouble pronouncing correctly, touches us and we can only defend her and hope that she succeeds in achieving her goal. We will also appreciate the character played by Albert Dupontel, a gifted computer scientist but who has difficulty finding his place and being recognized for his true value. Impossible not to see there a double of the director and screenwriter in his way of hiding his great shyness by a total assurance in what he masters perfectly. Despite everything, the society in which this character evolves seems more inclined to put forward young people lacking experience and more easily controllable than this free electron constantly close to burn out...

Where many comedies prefer to line up scenes without trying to create a real logic, Farewell the jerks is similar to a road movie with Tex Avery's impulses and many scenes of a frightening efficiency making us go from laughter to tears. Bye Bye Morons also gives us one of the most beautiful kissing scenes of the cinema and remains in our memory long after we've seen it. We come out sad and happy at the same time with the desire to applaud and especially to go see it again as it is what a film should be: a brilliant work and a formidable efficiency.

Bye Bye Morons
Written and directed by Albert Dupontel
Produced by Catherine Bozorgan
Staring Virginie Efira, Albert Dupontel, Nicolas Marié, Jackie Berroyer, Philippe Uchan, Michel Vuillermoz, Laurent Stocker, Bouli Lanners, Bastien Ughetto, Terry Gilliam, Grégoire Ludig, Kyan Khojandi and David Marsais.
Music: Christophe Julien
Edited by Christophe Pinel
Distribution: Gaumont Distribution (France)
Release date: October, 21 2020 (France)
Running tim: 87mns

Seen on June 28, 2020 at Gaumont Disney Village (France), Room 3 seat D14

Mulder's Mark: