About the Film
This year, brilliant French director Cédric Kahn presents a film that embodies some form of rebellion against the common style of its cinematic genre, for Happy Birthday deliberately goes against the customary comedy direction of most family films in Hollywood. Instead, it is a superbly dramatic piece about family; a well-established concept that rededicates our first affiliations, being the safest and warmest haven, and the savior from the pain of loneliness—especially that of independence and aging.
Happy Birthday speaks volumes about a fact that had remained unvoiced for generations: the irregular, sporadic gathering of family members only reinforces feelings of alienation, for with each individual’s chosen life path comes a set of distinct convictions and beliefs, different from those that were once shared by the family as a unit. While a family gathering may seem intimate and homogenous, it entails a great deal of deliberate pretense and forged idealism for the sake of momentary harmony.
Andréa’s loneliness is what prompts her to ceremoniously summon all of her children to celebrate her 70th birthday. The unexpected return of the only daughter—along with the crises and clashes caused by her neurotic approach to everything—seems to bring the family members closer together, with an equal amount of tension.
Catherine Deneuve’s great portrayal of Andréa, the mother, complements the film with tones of beauty and sobriety, reconfirming the extent of her artistic brilliance.
Additionally, director Cédric Kahn did more than stand behind the camera. He played the role of the elder brother with remarkable mastery, befitting a uniquely humanistic cinematic piece; embodying the magnificence of giving, tolerance and acceptance, especially towards those closest to us.
Mohamed Atef
