Le couperet is yet one of those films to digest an interesting theme, but that tries too hard in satisfying the viewer's cravings for "interesting story". A middle-aged man loses his job at a paper manufacturing firm due to outsourcing. Embittered by being let down by his employer, he looks for a new position, but with no success. The world of work is no utopia and the man goes to some lenghts to secure his position: he kills off his competitors. As a critique of capitalism, Le couperet makes some good points, rediculing some elements of work that are usually glorified; "to be ambitious", to show that one "cares about finding a job". For the man, Bruno, work is everything. He explains that losing his job means losing the essence of himself - and even his family. There are a couple of scenes in the film in which the ruthlessness of modern work is displayed to a great effect. But mostly, Le couperet bores me with its attempt at being a "thriller" and "black comedy". Even when dealing in "critique", it tends to miss the mark by clinging to a scale of black & white.
Jose Garcia's blanked-faced acting is excellent, though.
But yes, I agree with the sinister message of Le couperet: capitalism does not create healthy ambition - it moulds its own character trait: psychopathy.
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