Une semaine de vacances (1980)
Directed by Bertrand Tavernier

Film Review

Although not generally regarded as one of Bertrand Tavernier's most important works, Une semaine de vacances is an engaging drama that provides a sobering reflection on the difficulties faced by teachers at time when their profession was no longer widely respected and subject to seemingly constant government initiatives.   Nathalie Baye heads an impressive cast, turning in a poignant performance which earned her a Best Actress nomination at the 1981 Césars.  The film itself was nominated for the Palme d'Or at Cannes in 1980 (the first of Tavernier's three nominations for the award to date).   Although the film was made three decades ago, it continues to be highly relevant - if anything, the malaise in the teaching profession which is aluded to in this film has only worsened over this period.

Film Synopsis

At the age of 31, Laurence feels she has arrived at a crossroads in her life.  Once a dedicated school teacher, she now feels she isn't up to the job and contemplates starting a new profession.  Anxious to know what to do, she consults her doctor, Sabouret, and he advises her that she should take some time off to gather her thoughts, rather than rushing into a hasty course of action that she may later regret.  Laurence sees the sense in this plan and arranges to take an enforced break so that she can visit her parents and some friends she hasn't seen for ages.

It isn't just her work that is getting Laurence down.  She is beginning to tire of her relationship with her partner partner, Pierre, who is becoming increasingly insistent that they should start a family, whilst they still can.  Glad of her few days to herself, Laurence revisits a dear old friend of hers, Mancheron, who has his own worries after losing his wife.  When the week is up, Laurence realises that nothing much has altered but she has a slightly clearer idea of where she may be heading...