Life’s a Transition for Fanny Ardant in ‘Bright Days Ahead’

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CHICAGO – We are victims of our own circumstances, says the old adage. We are also prone to transitions, some caused by decisions we make, others thrust upon us through life itself. In a fascinating new French film, Fanny Ardant embraces a character transforming through such circumstance, and trying to understand what aging means to her in “Bright Days Ahead.”

The title is a clever device, because it also is the name an activities center for senior citizens – think computer classes, yoga, acting – that Ardant’s character has signed up at, through a gift from her daughters. It is through that symbolically-named place that her transition begins, from one life as a respected professional, wife and mother to an individual learning about rejuvenating her nerve endings. The film is blissfully French in atmosphere and attitude, in addition to being a showcase for the delicate beauty and truth of the lead actress.

Caroline (Ardant) is a newly retired French dentist, who was tops in her field. Her best friend has also recently died, and it was because of the passing that Caroline has given up her career. She is sixty years old, with two older daughters and grandkids, and a long time marriage to Philippe (Patrick Chesnais). As a gift, Caroline has received a trial membership at a senior citizen learning center, appropriately called Bright Days Ahead (“Les beaux jours”).

Fanny Ardant, Laurent Lafitte
Caroline (Fanny Ardant) Takes a Lover (Laurent Lafitte) in ‘Bright Days Ahead’
Photo credit: Tribeca Film

Caroline uncomfortably indulges in the center, even though she is unsure about her aging – she is still beautiful at sixty – and the fellow travelers in the school. In her computer class, she draws the attention of the instructor Julien (Laurent Lafitte), a man in his early thirties, and the two begin an affair. This change in life direction throws her existence into chaos, especially her marriage. How Caroline maneuvers this situation will determine how the rest of her life will play out.

Ardant offers so much to the role. She is a great beauty, but through Caroline that beauty is fading around the edges and she’s clearly not happy with that development. Her character is contained and repressed – all lessons learned through a lifetime of doing the right thing. But Caroline is exploding now – drinking, fornicating and smoking – trying to find that last bit of youthful energy before the bloom comes off the rose. In many ways, she is going through the equivalent of male menopause, without the need to buy a sports car.

There is a Euro-French attitude toward the sexuality in the film, so different from how an American film would approach a May/December romance. Caroline is constantly protecting herself by knowing the rules of the liason – Julien is a player and has several relationships – and although she finds it hard to quit him, she does know that this new beginning is destined toward an end. This emotional subtlety is authentic, and creates an organic and original story flow, that was based on the novel by co-screenwriter Franny Chesnel.

Caroline’s two lovers, Julien and her husband Philippe, appreciate her in different ways, and that contrast is vital to how the story concludes. Philippe seems jealous of Caroline’s new sense of vitality, as his has been conquered by habit and repetition. He is an old man, and sadly observes his beautiful wife as she takes another fling at understanding her individuality. There is a coming to clarity for him as well, and he changes as much she does.

Fanny Ardant, Patrick Chasnais
Caroline and Philippe (Patrick Chasnais) in ‘Bright Days Ahead’
Photo credit: Tribeca Film

The ending is hopeful, if not happy, and it does naturally seek that direction. It would be painful to follow Caroline and have it come out otherwise, even though it easily could have been tragic. It does conclude rather swiftly, however, tied up in a neat package. But the film is about the situation of Caroline, and the learning of whatever lessons she needs. Just the attempt to do what she did was bound to make her life better, or at least more comfortable emotionally.

One of the great blessings and curses of existence is the memory of our experiences. Along with throwbacks to happier satisfactions, the aging process can also consider memory as a haunting for “what if?” The story of Caroline proves that there can be a rejection of these regrets, a forging toward a new interpretation in the meaning of life, and yes, bright days ahead.

“Bright Days Ahead” continued its limited release in Chicago on May 9th. See local listings for theaters and show times. Featuring Fanny Ardant, Laurent Lafitte and Patrick Chesnais. Written by Marion Vernoux and Fanny Chesnel (from her novel). Directed by Marion Vermoux. Not rated.

HollywoodChicago.com senior staff writer Patrick McDonald

By PATRICK McDONALD
Senior Staff Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2014 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

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