Yannick (2023) User Reviews (6)

Strange, fun, interesting

[tux-12 · 6/10 · 4 December 2023]

This film, as is often the case with Quentin Dupieux, leaves you a little disconcerted. The sudden ending prohibits any step back from the story that has just unfolded. The first half will surely make you laugh with its zaniness. The second half, turning to the taking of hostages by this individual who has become threatening, is less funny. We're looking for the message, but there doesn't seem to be any. We deride the troublemaker, the mediocrity of the actors, the cowardice of the spectators. Without any real conclusion.

I am sure that all theatre actors will shudder as they perhaps recall a similar experience of a provocateur interrupting the play they are performing. A sabotage that more twists and turns could have made exciting. Far too many films are at least an hour too long. This one could add additional time.

Yannick

[CinemaSerf · 7/10 · 16 May 2024]

We've all been to the theatre and wondered what we were doing there? Rarely, though, have any of us stood up to complain about the lacklustre performance directly to those on the stage. Well "Yannick" (Raphaël Quenard) does precisely that moaning that he's taken a day off work and spent his time and money on their presentation of "Le Cocu" that's not exactly enthralling him. Initially the talent engage, then they send him packing. Undeterred, he returns shortly afterwards with a gun, demands a laptop, a printer and devises a script for them to improve on their efforts. Yes, it's all fairly far-fetched and for a while I wasn't sure whether "Yannick" was actually the fourth cast member of the ensemble in to shake things up a bit. Certainly, the theatre goers never look very intimidated by their "captor". It is that ambiguity and an entertaining Quenard rendition that makes this quite a quirky watch that though it goes on too long, is actually at times quite an innovate piece of characterful cinema-cum-theatre that has just enough of the plausible about it to make it funny sometimes. It runs out of steam completely at the end, but the first forty minutes or so are original and worth a watch.

Quite linear and straight, with as usual a reflexion on film

[norbert-plan-618-715813 · 7/10 · 20 April 2024]

This is the director's most linear film, if not his clearest. We know that Quentin Dupieux often, if not almost always, talks about film, the work of art, the way it is made, the impression it makes on the viewer. Here, he questions what a work of art is, and the viewer's relationship to it. Raphaël Quenard watches a play of relatively poor quality as a spectator, and decides to modify and rewrite it. By playing a character we understand to be rather depressed, or more simply not well at all.

The staging is simple and limpid, to highlight the dialogues: both those of the play, and those of Raphaël Quenard's character. A great deal of work has gone into this aspect.

So we're not dealing here with a process that might seem absurd, as in many of the director's films. But in a way, it's a film that explains how to approach all Quentin Dupieux's previous films. Isn't Raphaël Quenard's character Quentin Dupieux? Questioning films and what they're supposed to bring to the viewer. He could stop now and we'd understand all his work.

It's surprising to see the police arrive at the end. This anchors the film in a reality to which Quentin Dupieux has not accustomed us. It's a way of making Raphaël Quenard's observation real.

Yannick - A detailed and critical review

[gsilecchia · 7/10 · 17 June 2024]

"Yannick" stands out for its bold premise and its ability to explore themes of rebellion and justice from the perspective of an ordinary individual. The plot follows Yannick, an everyman who, tired of being a passive observer of life and cinema, decides to take matters into his own hands and make his voice heard. Directed by an emerging filmmaker, the movie employs a combination of satire, drama, and social commentary to create a work that is both provocative and deeply resonant. From the opening scenes, "Yannick" grabs the audience's attention with its vibrant cinematography and dynamic editing. The direction is characterized by innovative shots and a skillful use of light and shadow to emphasize moments of tension and introspection. The city where the story unfolds is depicted with a gritty realism that mirrors the protagonist's sense of alienation and frustration. The screenplay, though not without flaws, is rich with sharp dialogues and situations that highlight the power dynamics between the individual and society. The protagonist, portrayed by a highly talented actor, delivers a performance that is both intense and nuanced. His depiction of Yannick is that of a man who, despite being overwhelmed by circumstances, finds the strength to react in unexpected ways. This complex and multi-dimensional character is the film's beating heart, and his evolution is rendered with an authenticity that makes his actions and motivations believable. The supporting cast, though less developed, significantly contributes to the film's overall atmosphere, offering solid performances that enrich the narrative. One of the most intriguing aspects of "Yannick" is its use of metanarration. The film not only tells the story of a man rebelling against injustice but also reflects on the role of the spectator in cinema and society. This additional dimension gives the film a depth that invites reflection and stimulates discussions on highly relevant contemporary themes. However, this complexity can also be a double-edged sword, as some viewers might find the film overly pretentious or difficult to follow. The soundtrack, composed of original music and well-known tracks, is effectively used to underscore key moments in the plot and to add an emotional layer to the narrative. The musical choices reflect the tension and energy of the film, contributing to an engaging cinematic experience. However, at times, the soundtrack can seem a bit intrusive, distracting the viewer from the action rather than enhancing it. Despite its strengths, "Yannick" is not without its criticisms. Some elements of the plot may seem predictable, and there are moments when the film's pace slows, risking losing the viewer's attention. Additionally, while the protagonist is well-developed, some secondary characters lack depth, making some interactions less impactful than they could be. Ultimately, "Yannick" is a film worth watching for its audacity and its ability to stimulate reflection on important themes. Despite its flaws, it manages to offer a cinematic experience that is both entertaining and provocative. The protagonist's performance, along with the innovative direction and incisive screenplay, makes this film a noteworthy addition to the contemporary cinematic landscape.

Subversive and sincere, a breath of fresh air in the face of ambient mediocrity.

[piloutefire · 9/10 · 27 January 2024]

Quentin Dupieux's absurd, disjointed and fanciful humour gives way here to the absurdity of the situation in a palpable reality. A radical change of tone compared to his previous films that really feels good. Touching, sincere and magical, Yannick is a breath of fresh air in a world of comedy that is constantly muttering. Social criticism, comedy criticism, criticism of the public, criticism of the creator in his relationship to the work as well as the public.

The actors are excellent in bad actor, the audience faithful to itself and Raphaël Quenard embodies so well a Yannick full of surprise and who with simple words summarizes so well the mediocre of the situation. Yannick is in the political background, the service is no longer satisfactory, the art is taken in hand by a representative of the people, a true pirate, passionate about sincerity, passionate about justice. And it does better, gives meaning and reminds us that we sleep, we're asleep. But how long has it been? An echo more than real with our life, our situation in front of the ambient mediocrity.

The finale is as magnificent as it is frightening in its latest plan, a confrontation of reality and a system that is complete in its status quo confronting the underlying violence of society. But we do not have to see this aspect to get a kick, Yannick is simple, funny, really funny and especially really well done. Personally I love Quentin's films, but it's hard to see for someone who doesn't usually like the absurd. Here the form, like history, everyone can follow it, everyone can understand and it is done brilliantly, a true little subversive and sincere jewel, to see urgently.

Disappointing

[slabihoud · 5/10 · 3 November 2023]

Someone applauds and everyone follows, is drawn into it. This seems to be the case with this film, in the story but also the film itself. Though only 1 hour and 7 minutes long it still manages to be testing your patience. The synopsis of the film presented it in a much better light. Maybe I should have stood up and left, but, like the audience in the film, I was hoping for a satisfying finale act.

In vain! I didn't find the film more entertaining than the play that gets interrupted by Yannick. I don't see the point in this film, where a weak boulevard play is interrupted by someone who roots for an even inferior play. The film makes fun of Yannick, the actors of the play and also the audience in turn. But to see a fool being foolish and being laughed at till he turns the table on the others who now begin to look foolish, including the audience, is no great art either and not really better than the play it mocks.

Of course, you could argue that the story should be looked at as a political statement: a fool, critizising other fools in view of a foolish audience, but honestly, others have done that much better.