Father of My Children (2009)

This is not a feel good French movie. The story is said to be inspired by the life of the real-life producer Humbert Balsan, who made Lars von Trier's “Manderlay” (2005). Balsan had considerable success, making nearly 70 films, including three by James Ivory. He committed suicide when his business imploded. Our hero is a man is named Gregoire (Louis-Do de Lencquesaing). He is a French film producer, an honest hustler, a loving father and husband, confident of his powers, enjoying his work. Over the course of the movie we watch this man's livelihood unravel. It is not a dark movie, despite what happens. It is the story of a good man who is well-loved at home and at work who runs into a dead end that he cannot see a way out of. He has always been the optimist, but that strategy isn't going to work any longer. What happens? He has been in debt, his current projects are not working out, he is not exactly the best man with numbers, and everyone likes him so much they hesitate to say no to him. He is surrounded by supporters and enablers. Gregoire's office also serves as a family, in a way, and his employees share his vision. When calamity strikes, even his wife pitches in to help salvage his dream. The film's second half is about picking up the pieces after disaster occurs, and it shows that our lives are not merely our own, but also belong to the events we set in motion.