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

Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 13, 2014 - 9:02am

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.”

Rating: 4.0/5.0

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 (Fanny 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”).

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.

“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.