Review: Mont Blanc (2013)

Director: Gilles Coulier | 15 minutes | short film, drama, family | Actors: Jean-Pierre Lauwers, Wim Willaert

Two men marked by life, that’s all Gilles Coulier needs to dissect a painful and troubled relationship. Father is in the last phase of his life and wants to see the legendary Mont Blanc one more time. At the beginning of the film are father and son a fantastic view of the mountain. They observe the natural spectacle from their dilapidated camper. However, the son’s growl quickly makes it clear that this is not a pleasure trip. He is fed up with the trip and refuses to continue to the final destination. On the way back, frustration takes over and friction develops that exposes the shaky bond between father and son. In terms of communication, the two clearly fall short. The tone is therefore grim at first. Until those last heartbreaking minutes.

Not much happens in “Mont Blanc”. Even the dialogues are sparse and short. Coulier argues also plenty on its two protagonists. Jean-Pierre Lauwers and Wim Willaert are phenomenal in their non-verbal actions. A wonderful example is Willaert who eats in silence. But his facial expression says enough. As a viewer you just notice that there is serious grounding in the head of this grumpy man. “Mont Blanc” is a tragic road movie that shows what happens when people stop talking.