Goodbye Cruel World (Adieu monde cruel). The title of the directorial debut of French actor Félix de Givry, whom you may recognize as the lead actor in Mia Hansen-Løve’s Eden and as an Oscar-nominated producer behind Arco, hints at a person struggling with and suffering from their surroundings.
The opening moments of the closing film of the 65th edition of the Critics’ Week, the sidebar that runs alongside the main Cannes Film Festival, immediately confirm that, kicking off a cinematic journey that at times feels like a love letter to cinema history.
So, what is it about? “Otto Vidal, 14, disappeared after writing a farewell letter to his classmates,” reads a synopsis of the film, which world premieres on Wednesday, May 20. There is chatter that Otto at least attempted to die by suicide. “While everyone believes he is dead, Léna, a girl from his high school, spots him one night roaming the streets of the city.”
The film stars Milo Machado-Graner, known for his breakout performance in Justine Triet’s Anatomy of a Fall, and Jane Beever. Other key cast members include Françoise Lebrun, who is the narrator, Maïa Sandoz, Emmanuelle Destremau and Erwan Kepoa Falé.
Directed by de Givry, who wrote the script with Marie-Stéphane Imbert, the film features cinematography by Tara-Jay Bangalter and editing by Sanabel Cherqaoui. Arnaud Toulon handled the music. The producers are Manon Messiant of Iliade et Films, Ugo Bienvenu of Remembers and de Givry. Playtime is in charge of international sales.
