Cert PG
91 mins
BBFC advice: Contains mild bad language, suicide reference
Apologies, apologies, apologies.
The team which handles the publicity for New Wave Films are among several who kindly sent me access to their releases over the past month only to find that the reviews are very late.
Today I am out of excuses. I finally left my job on Friday after a couple of months of counting down and now here I am, the master of my own destiny.
It is kismet, therefore, that one of the first reviews in the mass catch-up should be Stéphane Brizé's The Measure Of A Man.
This is the simple story of a middle-aged factory worker (Vincent Lindon) who finds himself struggling to find a new job after his company closes down.
Brize's film explores the problems associated with sudden loss of income and forcing those without jobs to go on programmes which are designed to fit all and actually fit none.
The consequence is that Lindon's character is forced to take a job in which stretches his conscience.
Some might say movies such as The Measure Of A Man are light to the point of frippery but, while it is true there is little action, it really did make me think deeply about society's divisions.
Lindon gives a performance of understated realism as a man who finds society's odds increasingly stacked against him.
I can't imagine anyone who would not empathise.
Reasons to watch: a realistic reflection of today's working class
Reasons to avoid: if you are looking for action this is not the place
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 6/10
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