My Piece of the Pie 2011
Directed by
Cédric Klapisch
Made by
Sundance Selects
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of My Piece of the Pie (2011). 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.
Filmed against the backdrop of the global financial crisis, this compelling narrative delves into the harsh realities of globalization, class distinctions, and income inequality. The story begins in the picturesque French seaside town of Dunkirk, where France (played by Karin Viard), a middle-aged divorcée, faces a devastating setback after being laid off from her job at a shipping company, where she dedicated 20 years of her life. In a moment of despair, she attempts to take her life by overdosing on pills but is fortunately rushed to the hospital, where she makes a full recovery.
Desperate to provide for her three children, France relocates to Paris, where she encounters Ahmed (portrayed by Zinedine Soualem), the father of a former colleague. In order to secure menial employment, she decides to masquerade as a low-skilled immigrant. This decision leads her to an unexpected opportunity as a housekeeper for Stéphane Delarue (played by Gilles Lellouche), a wealthy banker who has recently returned to Paris after a decade in London.
Initially, the dynamic between France and Stéphane is fraught with tension. However, as time progresses, Stéphane begins to appreciate France, particularly after she adeptly manages his son’s care for a month, earning a lucrative €200 a day for this additional responsibility. Their professional relationship takes a romantic turn during a trip to London for Stéphane’s work-related engagements. Yet, the next morning brings complications when France candidly shares the story of her employment: her former shipping job was lost due to her company relocating positions to China. When Stéphane nonchalantly reveals that he was one of the bankers who contributed to the stock shorting that accelerated those job losses, the mood shifts dramatically.
In a shocking twist, after witnessing Stéphane boasting about their night together while interacting with his son in the park, France makes a desperate choice. She abducts the child and retreats back to Dunkirk, finding refuge in an auditorium that is hosting a dance performance. Stéphane’s arrival at the scene leads to a confrontation; as France is arrested, the crowd—comprised of many of her former colleagues—recognizes Stéphane and springs into action, pursuing him onto the beach. The tension escalates as a mob forms to block the police from taking France away, culminating in a dramatic standoff that highlights the profound class struggles and injustices at play.
Timeline
Track the key events of My Piece of the Pie (2011) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
France's Job Loss
The story begins with France in the picturesque town of Dunkirk, where she faces a devastating setback after being laid off from her job at a shipping company. After dedicating twenty years to her career, France's life is thrown into turmoil, impacting her mental health significantly.
France's Suicide Attempt
In a moment of despair over her job loss and the challenge of providing for her three children, France attempts to take her own life by overdosing on pills. Fortunately, she is rushed to the hospital, where she receives the medical attention needed for a full recovery.
Relocation to Paris
Desperate to secure a stable income for her family, France relocates to Paris, a bustling city that holds new opportunities as well as challenges. It is here that she hopes to start anew and find employment to support her children.
Meeting Ahmed
In Paris, France encounters Ahmed, the father of a former colleague, who becomes a pivotal figure in her journey. He provides her with guidance and support as she seeks employment while also exposing her to the stark realities faced by low-skilled immigrants.
Masquerading as an Immigrant
To secure menial employment, France decides to disguise herself as a low-skilled immigrant. This decision proves to be a turning point in her life, propelling her into unexpected circumstances and opportunities that she had not anticipated.
Employment as a Housekeeper
France is hired as a housekeeper for Stéphane Delarue, a wealthy banker. Initially, their relationship is marked by tension, but over time, France begins to prove her worth in managing both his household and caring for his son.
Developing a Connection
As France takes on the additional responsibility of caring for Stéphane's son, their professional relationship begins to shift towards friendship. Stéphane increasingly appreciates France's hard work, especially after she successfully manages the challenges of parenting while he is busy with work.
Romantic Encounter in London
Their relationship takes a romantic turn during a work trip to London, where they grow closer amidst the backdrop of the city. This intimate experience marks a significant change in their dynamic, suggesting deeper feelings between them.
Revelation of Job Loss
The next morning, a stark reality surfaces when France reveals the truth about her job loss due to her company's relocation to China. The mood shifts dramatically when Stéphane unwittingly admits his involvement in actions that contributed to her company's downfall.
Child Abduction
In a moment of desperation, after witnessing Stéphane boast about their night together, France makes the shocking decision to abduct his son. She retreats back to Dunkirk, a move that showcases her immense struggle and need to reclaim control over her life.
Confrontation at the Auditorium
France finds refuge in an auditorium hosting a dance performance, where she hopes to remain undetected with the child. However, this act does not go unnoticed, leading to a tension-filled confrontation when Stéphane arrives, desperate to reclaim his son.
Crowd's Reaction
As Stéphane confronts France, the crowd, made up of her former colleagues, recognizes him and quickly turns hostile. This moment underscores the social and class tensions, revealing the larger struggles faced by France and many others affected by the financial crisis.
Dramatic Standoff
The situation escalates into a dramatic standoff on the beach as the crowd rallies to impede the police from taking France away. This highlight of the film captures the profound class struggles and the intense emotions stemming from the injustices faced by the characters.
Arrest and Aftermath
Ultimately, France is arrested, and the mob's efforts are in vain as the realities of her situation sink in. This arrest not only signifies the loss of her freedom but also serves as a poignant commentary on the systemic issues that plague society.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring My Piece of the Pie (2011) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
France
France is a middle-aged divorcée struggling to support her three children after losing her job in the shipping industry. Her character is marked by resilience and vulnerability, as she navigates the challenges of starting anew and the emotional turmoil of her circumstances. France's desperation drives her to make bold, often questionable decisions that significantly impact her life and the lives of those around her.
Stéphane Delarue
Stéphane is a wealthy banker who finds himself intertwined with France's life through a complex professional relationship. Initially portrayed as indifferent, he gradually reveals a more appreciative side towards France as she proves her competence. However, his casual remarks about the consequences of his actions unravel the growing intimacy, making him a conflicted figure representing the elite's disconnectedness from the struggles of the working class.
Setting
Uncover the settings of My Piece of the Pie (2011), 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
2000s
The movie takes place during the global financial crisis of the 2000s, a period marked by significant economic turmoil and instability. This context highlights themes of loss, desperation, and the implications of globalization on working-class individuals, reflecting a time when many faced unemployment and financial distress.
Location
Dunkirk, Paris, China, London
Dunkirk is a picturesque seaside town in France, known for its rich maritime history and beautiful beaches. The story also unfolds in the bustling city of Paris, a hub of culture and finance, where the dream of prosperity frequently clashes with the harsh realities of life. Additionally, China is referenced as a key factor in the economic shifts experienced by the protagonist, while London serves as a backdrop for pivotal moments in the characters' relationships.
Themes
Explore the core themes of My Piece of the Pie (2011). 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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Despair
Despair is a central theme as France navigates the challenges of losing her job and facing financial insecurity. Her initial attempt at suicide illustrates the depth of her hopelessness, serving as a poignant commentary on the struggles many face during economic downturns.
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Class Struggle
The film delves deeply into class distinctions and income inequality, showcasing the stark contrast between the lives of the wealthy and the working class. France's experiences as a low-skilled immigrant highlight systemic injustices that perpetuate these divides within society.
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Romantic Tension
The evolving relationship between France and Stéphane underscores themes of romantic tension amidst socioeconomic challenges. Their bond blurs the lines between professional and personal, revealing intimate complexities against a backdrop of class disparity.
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