I'm Going Home 2002
Directed by
Manoel de Oliveira
Made by
Milestone Film & Video
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of I'm Going Home (2002). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
The film begins in a vibrant theater where Eugène Ionesco’s Exit the King is being performed. The spotlight is on Gilbert Valence, a celebrated theater actor who portrays the King. However, the atmosphere turns somber when he receives devastating news about the tragic loss of his wife, daughter, and son-in-law in a car accident. Suddenly faced with the responsibility of raising his young grandson, Serge, Gilbert’s life takes a significant turn.
As time goes on, Valence appears to be coping with his grief, engaging in the hustle and bustle of Paris life. With the assistance of his housekeeper, he dutifully cares for his 9-year-old grandson. He also takes on the demanding role of Prospero in a French adaptation of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Despite his stature as a veteran of the stage, he chooses to decline lucrative offers for low-brow television gigs, wishing to maintain his artistic integrity.
However, an urgent call changes his course when American filmmaker John Crawford seeks an actor to portray the young Irishman Buck Mulligan in a film version of James Joyce’s Ulysses. With just three days to prepare for the shoot in Paris, Valence finds himself cornered into accepting the role. This decision proves to be a miscalculation as the filming progresses; Valence grapples with the language barrier, his unpreparedness, and the weight of his years. During the shoot, feeling utterly out of place, he resigns to simply state, > “Je rentre à la maison,” before walking off the set.
Timeline
Track the key events of I'm Going Home (2002) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Theater Performance of Exit the King
The film starts with a vibrant theater setting where Eugène Ionesco's play 'Exit the King' is being actively performed. Gilbert Valence, a celebrated actor, takes center stage as the King, showcasing his immense talent and pulling the audience into the world of theater.
Devastating News
During the emotional high of his performance, Gilbert receives the heartrending news of a tragic car accident. This incident claims the lives of his wife, daughter, and son-in-law, instantly shifting the joyous atmosphere into one of deep sorrow and chaos for Gilbert.
Taking Responsibility
Confronted with the unexpected loss, Gilbert now faces the daunting task of raising his young grandson, Serge. This shift in his responsibilities challenges him to find a new purpose amidst his grief, as he strives to navigate fatherhood while mourning his family.
Coping with Grief
As time progresses, Gilbert attempts to cope with his overwhelming grief while managing the lively Parisian lifestyle. Engaging with the bustling city around him, he makes an effort to care for Serge with the help of his dedicated housekeeper.
Portraying Prospero
In a bid to reignite his passion for acting, Gilbert takes on the challenging role of Prospero in a French adaptation of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest.' This decision reflects his commitment to high-quality art, despite the pressures and expectations from the entertainment industry.
Declining TV Offers
Despite being a respected veteran of the stage, Gilbert receives tempting offers for low-brow television gigs. However, he resolutely declines these opportunities, prioritizing his artistic integrity over commercial success and mainstream entertainment.
Call from John Crawford
An unexpected phone call from American filmmaker John Crawford changes everything for Gilbert. Crawford is seeking an actor to portray Buck Mulligan in a film adaptation of 'Ulysses,' intensifying Gilbert's dilemma as he weighs his options.
Preparing for the Role
Time is of the essence as Gilbert has only three days to prepare for the demanding film role in Paris. This urgent situation thrusts him into a whirlwind of new challenges and pressures, leaving him feeling increasingly unprepared for the task ahead.
Filming Begins
As filming begins, Gilbert quickly realizes he's grappling with several obstacles such as the language barrier and his own lack of preparation. The weight of his years and experiences seems heavier as he navigates through the complexities of acting for the screen.
Feeling Out of Place
During the chaotic shoot, Gilbert's inner turmoil grows as he feels utterly out of sync with his role and the production environment. This sense of disconnection culminates in profound frustration as he struggles to relate to the text and the film's artistic demands.
Walking Off the Set
Overwhelmed by the mounting pressures and realizing his miscalculation, Gilbert makes the sudden decision to walk off the set. With a poignant declaration of 'Je rentre à la maison,' he expresses his desire to retreat from the demands of the film industry and return to a sense of safety.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring I'm Going Home (2002) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Gilbert Valence
Gilbert Valence is a celebrated theater actor grappling with profound personal loss while navigating the demands of his profession. He is portrayed as dignified yet vulnerable, struggling with the weight of his life changes as he cares for his grandson. His character embodies the complexities of balancing art and personal grief.
Serge
Serge is Gilbert's young grandson, who suddenly finds himself under the care of his grieving grandfather. Despite the weight of their shared loss, he represents innocence and the need for familial connection. Serge's character highlights the impact of loss on the younger generation and their role in healing.
John Crawford
John Crawford is an American filmmaker who represents a call to action in Gilbert's career. His request for Gilbert to take on a role poses a creative challenge fraught with urgency. Crawford’s character underscores the tension between opportunities in filmmaking and the personal hurdles Gilbert faces.
Setting
Uncover the settings of I'm Going Home (2002), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film takes place in contemporary times, highlighting modern life contrasted with the challenges of personal grief and artistic ambition. This period reflects the complexities of balancing personal loss with professional commitments in a fast-paced urban environment.
Location
Paris
Paris, the city of lights, is renowned for its artistic heritage and vibrant culture. Known for its iconic landmarks and theaters, it serves as a backdrop for many French artistic endeavors. Throughout the film, its lively atmosphere juxtaposes the somber personal struggles faced by the protagonist.
Themes
Explore the core themes of I'm Going Home (2002). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Grief
The theme of grief runs deeply through the narrative as Gilbert Valence copes with the sudden loss of his family. His journey reflects the struggles of mourning and adapting to new responsibilities, particularly as he cares for his grandson. The film illustrates how grief impacts one's sense of identity and purpose.
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Artistic Integrity
Gilbert's commitment to maintaining his artistic integrity serves as a focal point in the film. As a veteran actor, he grapples with the tension between artistic ambition and commercialism, ultimately prioritizing meaningful roles over lucrative offers. This theme reflects the broader struggles of artists in the entertainment industry.
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