THE SITTING DUCK/ LA SYNDACALISTE, France, 2023. Starring Isabelle Huppert, Gregory Gadebois, François-Xavier Demaison, Pierre Deladonchamps, Alexandra Maria Lara, Mara Taquin, Yvan Attal, Marina Fois. Directed by Jean-Paul Salome. 121 minutes. Rated M (Mature themes, references to sexual violence and coarse language)
The English title, indicating an obvious target, does not quite do justice to the French title which indicates someone who is a member of a trade union. And this is the case with the central character, based on an actual person – Maureen Kearney – and events in France, starting in 2011.
Huppert has been top lining films for more than 50 years. In an impressive career she has had skill in bringing to life an enormous range of roles. Here, she does not look like herself, a face pale instead of freckles, blonde hair with a fringe, wearing spectacles. It is a commanding performance especially as we see her initially in Hungary, taking the sides of the female workers whose jobs are threatened, then returning to Paris, working with authorities. She and her female boss are looked down on, snide but semi-loud comments from the male executives. It is clear that this is going to be a significant confrontation between men and women in the corporate world, and the corporate world and its confrontation with unions.
At the centre of this corporate world is a nuclear company, Avara, in competition with a French company. The French company is in secret conversations with China, which wants to expand its building nuclear reactors around the world. Maureen’s boss loses her job and a less competent executive is appointed in her place, with some clashes with Maureen.
A whistleblower approaches Maureen with damning documents and, what follows, is tangles with bureaucracy, the change of the French president, looking down on Maureen because she is a woman and a unionist. Then, Maureen is viciously assaulted in her home. Maureen is continually supported by the unions and their leaders.
The film then refocuses on Maureen's attack and police investigation, the audience finding, once again that the word of the woman is not immediately accepted, is doubted, she herself coming under suspicion, especially when there has been trauma in the past – trouble with alcohol and a suicide attempt.
While Maureen might have been the sitting duck for this assault, and she does cave in to the police for a time, the latter part of the film is her standing up for herself, even taking years, examining the situation, the work of skilful lawyers, a court appearance and her vindication.
Maureen is a strong character, to be admired in the early part of the film and, compassion for her and her struggles after the assault and the police investigations. She is supported by her husband of 20 years, Gilles Hugo (Gadebois) and a complex relationship with her daughter. Interesting themes in themselves, very relevant in these times of #MeToo, and yet another fine performance from Huppert.
Limelight
Released 13 June