One of the key contemporary writers of France, Michel Houellebecq, meets one of the most acclaimed French actors Gérard Depardieu at a Normandy hotel in an absurd and dialogue-heavy comedy about two witty melancholics. As the two enjoy their spa treatments, they discuss topics ranging from sex and politics to old age and illness, when the conversation is interrupted by an unexpected visit.
In 2014 Guillaume Nicloux shot an eccentric documentary-style comedy The Kidnapping of Michel Houellebecq, in which the writer created a character inspired by his portrayal in the media and which extended far beyond his real persona. In his new feature, Nicloux brings Houellebecq together with another meta character—the actor Gérard Depardieu, whose figure has also outgrown his roles in film. An original and arty comic duo, they are relaxing at a spa hotel on the coast as they comment on the contemporary world, from which no isolation can save us.
The film will be screened in French with Russian subtitles.
Thalasso
Director: Guillaume Nicloux
France, 2019. 93 min. 16+