Human Resources 2000

In the picturesque town of Gaillon in Normandy, Franck, a promising young man, returns home to undertake a trainee managerial internship in the Human Resources department of the factory where his father, a reserved and anxious individual, has toiled on the shop floor for an impressive thirty years. Initially, Franck is celebrated by his friends and family for successfully ascending the ranks to become “white-collar,” breaking through societal barriers. However, beneath the surface of this apparent success, jealousy and rivalry begin to fester among his peers and within his family.

As Franck navigates this new phase of his life, he forges a friendship with Alain, a young worker whom his father has been mentoring. This relationship serves as a striking contrast to the more guarded and distrustful mentorship that Franck receives from his own supervisor, Chambon, in the white-collar realm. The dynamics of mentorship highlight the disparities between blue-collar and white-collar work environments, further complicating Franck’s journey.

The situation escalates when Franck uncovers an alarming truth: his boss plans to exploit Franck’s field study on the proposed 35-hour workweek to justify layoffs, intending to dismiss workers, including Franck’s father. This revelation triggers a series of intense confrontations — between Franck and management, the factory workers and ownership, and ultimately, the strained relationship with his father.

In a powerful and emotional climax, Franck confronts his father, accusing him of instilling a legacy of shame associated with their blue-collar background. This pivotal moment brings to the forefront deep-seated emotions and the reality of family ties intertwined with societal expectations, forcing both father and son to face the consequences of their identities.