Le dernier souffle
COSTA-GAVRAS
France,
2024
100 minutes, Color
Costa-Gavras, the famed director of Z, State of Siege, and Missing, would seem to be the definition of a filmmaker with nothing left to prove. But at age 91, he is conquering "a new continent," namely, looking at death clear-eyed, in Last Breath. Acclaimed actor and theater director Denis Podalydès stars as Fabrice Toussaint, a widely known French intellectual who develops a philosophical interest in end-of-life palliative care and follows the extraordinary doctor Augustin Masset (Kad Merad) on his rounds. A man of intense compassion, Masset conducts deeply explorative conversations with his patients. Some are in denial, but all seek a kind of truth; for example, a surprisingly erudite elder who knows the myths of many cultures still wonders what awaits her. In their presence, Toussaint's own humanity is touched. Perhaps as a stand-in for Costa-Gavras, Toussaint is taking notes in preparation for the inevitable.—Judy Bloch
In French with English subtitles
Trailers may not have subtitles but all of our foreign language films do.
Having trouble viewing the trailer? See it here.
P.O. Box 21396 Washington, DC 20009
202-234-FILM
Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
filmfestdc@filmfestdc.org