A Man of His Time
dir. Emmanuel Marre · 2026
In the struggle for survival, individuals often compromise their values and identity in pursuit of acceptance and purpose.
Henri Marre, a self-proclaimed author and political strategist, arrives in Vichy, determined to carve out a place for himself in a regime that thrives on authoritarianism. As he navigates the complexities of his own failures and the moral ambiguities of his choices, the film immerses viewers in a world where personal aspirations clash with historical realities. Watching it feels like wandering through a fog of introspection, where each moment is steeped in the weight of past decisions and the haunting specter of a nation in turmoil.
September 1940. Self-styled author and "political strategist" Henri Marre arrives alone in Vichy as the authoritarian regime settles in. Broke, estranged from his family, and carrying copies of his self-published manifesto Notre Salut (Our Salvation), the 49-year-old is determined to secure what he believes is his rightful place in the new administration. In his writing, Henri sets out his patriotic convictions and his engineer's methodology: efficiency above all. Claiming he wants to help save France after defeat, he does whatever is required to remain useful, serving the machinery of the new order with increasing skill. But he may be pursuing something more urgent: escape from his own ruin.
Talking points
- the role of the individual in oppressive systems
- the nature of patriotism
- the psychological effects of war on identity
- the absurdity of self-importance
