An Unlikely Fairytale
PROVO, Utah (April 8, 2014)–When the Belgian filmmakers, the Dardenne Brothers, released their latest film, Le Gamin au Vélo, known in English as The Kid with a Bike, they hailed it as their modern day fairytale. The Dardenne Brothers are internationally renowned for their gritty socio-realism which focuses on themes of unemployment, dysfunctional parent-child relationships, illegal immigration, and abandonment—not exactly the subject matter traditionally associated with fairytales. However, certain elements such as its brighter color scheme, a lack of overall vulgarity and a cinematic world where certain characters are not merely ambiguous but inherently good shape The Kid with a Bike into a distinctly Dardenne-style fairy tale, according to Bob Hudson, Associate Professor of French Studies.
The plot centers on Cyril, a young boy whose father abandons him at a state-run youth home. Determined that his father hasn’t left him forever, Cyril escapes the youth home to reconnect with his father, only to be forced to return. In his escape, Cyril meets Samantha, a hairdresser who decides in a random act of kindness to take in Cyril over the weekends. Her unfailing love for Cyril forges a bond that ultimately saves him from a dangerous life on the margins of society.
As Hudson explained, the Dardenne Brothers are known for finding local Belgian talent for the cast of their films. For The Kid with a Bike, over 1200 applications were considered and 120 auditions were held to find the perfect match for the lead role of the young boy. However, contrary to their typical method of using unknown talent, the Dardenne Brothers chose popular Belgian actress Cécile de France for the role of Samantha.
The Kid with a Bike will be playing at International Cinema until Saturday, April 12. Although International Cinema will still be showing films during spring and summer terms, the weekly Tuesday lectures will not resume until fall semester.
–Ami Johanson B.A. Humanities ‘14