Le Grand Chariot, by Phillipe Garrel and starring Louis Garrel: review and trailer

The poster was interesting: Philippe Garrel directs his three children - Louis, Léna and Esther Garrel - in a testamentary film. The character dimension of Le Grand Chariot is obvious, but what is the film, due to hit theatres on September 13, worth?

The Grand Chariot trailer

In this new feature, Philippe Garrel - recently accused by five actresses of sexual violence - focuses on the romantic and tragic destiny of a sibling group of puppeteers. Louis and his two sisters, Martha and Lena, are led by their father, who heads the troupe, and their grandmother, who makes the dolls. Together, they form a company and put on puppet shows. One day, during a performance, the father dies of a stroke, leaving the children alone.

• To be read
• Top cinemas in Paris
• What to do in Paris and the Paris Region in November 2024? Our tips and ideas for outings
• Cinema: which films will be released this Wednesday, November 20, 2024?

From the outset, the film's heaviness overwhelms. Le Grand Chariot seems straight out of another generation. Highly scripted and theatrical, the siblings on screen and off never reveal the slightest hint of complicity, and the whole thing seems largely outdated. What's more, the theme of Le Grand Chariot won't necessarily delight, since it's largely about the end of cycles, whether driven by death, departures or disinterest. The whole thing is dark and first-degree, with the sense that Philippe Garrel is taking stock of his life and the legacy he intends to leave to his children, all of whom are in the film business. The metaphor is rather unsubtle, especially as the film's characters are pretty much all detestable. Nevertheless, don't let the pleasure of discovery deprive you if you're a fan of Philippe Garrel's character.

September 2024 cinema releases: Films and times near you
Discover all the films in theaters in September 2024 with showtimes near you. Don't miss a single movie! [Read more]

Cinema: which film to see today, this Sunday November 24, 2024?
Not sure which film to see today? Well, we've got plenty of films to show near you. [Read more]