10 jours en or (2012)
Directed by Nicolas Brossette

Film Review

Nicolas Brossette's debut feature is far from perfect but, despite its obvious lack of originality and over-reliance on stock clichés, it still has a certain charm.  10 jours en or is an unashamedly sentimental road movie (of the Hollywood variety) which has some major difficulties in the script department but at least partly redeems itself on the acting front, with a particularly laudable performance from Franck Dubosc.  Usually consigned to lightweight populist comedies such as Fabien Onteniente's Camping (2006), Dubosc has had very little opportunity to expand his repertoire and prove himself as a dramatic actor.  Here, he takes us all by surprise and shows that not only can he deliver a credible and nuanced performance, he can do so with surprising charm and conviction.  Claude Rich provides ample back up in another of his sympathetic support roles and Mathis Touré completes the happy trio as the adorable little boy who has the unenviable task of humanising Franck Dubosc.  Unbearably saccharine in a few places, 10 jours en or suffers from a script that should have been put through at least three more rewrites before it went anywhere near a film camera, but the irrepressible charm of its three leads somehow carries it off.

Film Synopsis

Marc Bajau works for a well-known clothes manufacturer and enjoys the freedom his job offers him. Used to travelling all over the country, he gets to know a wide range of people and enjoy the occasional one night stand. He is about to embark on another business trip when his latest in a long line of lovers suddenly walks out on him, leaving him to take care of her six-year-old son, Lucas. Undeterred by this unexpected turn of events, Marc sets out once more, not knowing that what lies ahead will be his most eventful journey yet - ten days that will change his life forever and literally make a new man of him...