The intriuging idea and a sort of a novelty in this film while addressing the topic of the sexual abuse on schools and the thin and critical
line of conduct that divides what's accepted by teachers and students is that here the main character, played François Civil in a phenomenal performance,
is a gay man, with a loving partner, but he's not out in the open with his colleagues of profession, neither his students. If we'd look back at "The
Hunt" and "Liquid Truth", it's always about heterosexual guys who happened to be ladies man; the new take shown in this film was quite
reflective as audiences struggle to understand how misunderstandings and the perception of actions and words can damage reputations.
A remark made during one
of his literature deabtes, where examples of beauty and certain sexual tone were used - mostly by the class - set Julien's into a downspiralling
when a young girl (Mallory Wanecque) accuses him of sexual misconduct. It's up to the man alone find ways of defending himself, getting little
help from his fellow co-workers (and they felt betrayed for not being honest about who he really loves), a headmaster who doesn't work
all that hard to help him getting legal assistance; attacks from all the others students; the girl's brother who threats him of violence; and the
troubles at home with his partner.
Teddy Lussi-Modeste's
"Pas de vague" ("The Good Teacher") claims that the story happened with his own father. It's a little strange that things happened exactly
in the weird and chaotic manner in which he presents things and scenarios; and while it has a wordly and poingnat debate over the issue,
it's a little too eccentric to be taken seriously. Thanks to Civil and the character's struggle while dealing with too many chaos around that the film
survives as a good thing.
It's easy to like the film, but it's not easy to accept or comprehend its gaps, like the denounce made by two other girls after the cellphone
incident with the whole class mocking Julien. What's their ground for a police report? The helpless policial and judicial system procedures
make it all look devastating hard and not allowing any line of defense for the man. And worst of all, this might look a bit odd, but many
countries have a specific ruling that when a denounce like that happens, the teacher gets temporarily removed until further notice and until
legal issues were set in motion. Julien continues to work, subjected to contempt from basically everybody.
Films like this must have a way to stay closer to reality as much possible, as audiences can relate with the situation and finds ways to
understand the intricate moments of life, reflect on experiences and how one should deal with. Not much of wanting a cautionary tale but
just a little close to it.
And again, François Civil makes the movie worth seeing. It's a very emotionally charged performance, acted out with gusto, power,
passion and delivery, and the audience will remember all his pain and vulnerability, some humor as well, for times to come. 7/10.
