You Will Be My Son
Dir: Gilles Legrand
2011
****
You Will Be My Son is a devastating account of obsession and narcissism. Father and Son Vineyard owners, Paul and Martin, struggle with their personal and profession lives with each other as Paul has no faith in his son and Martin knows that he will never live up to his impossible expectations. Niels Aretrup's Paul de Marseul is one of modern cinema's greatest villains. His character is deliciously deplorable, and as the story goes on we see him try to replace his son in every way he can, he becomes even more so hateful and even more compelling. Patrick Chesnais and Nicolas Bridet are both very good in their supporting roles as estate manager and son but I'm afraid Loran Deutsch who plays Martin is the weak link. More than made up for by the brilliant Niels Aretrup's performance and Gilles Legrand glorious direction. A gripping drama worth looking out for.