For once, these lines are inspired not by strategic events in the east of the European continent, but by a cheerful film release coming up in the next few days.
On Sunday, Pathé France held a preview of February’s big French film event: “Astérix et Obélix : l’Empire du Milieu” (released in English as “Asterix & Obelix: The Middle Kingdom”). A lovely opportunity to discover, a few days before its official release, what is both a marker of our times and a fine example – in these times of social fragmentation – of what can be done to bring together very diverse talents and audiences.
Of course, there will always be grumblers… but, true to the principles of sociodynamics, let us build on what moves things forward, rather than giving too much importance to the killjoys.
As in other episodes, this Asterix and Obelix instalment brings together, beyond the main actors, a very large number of the emblematic figures of the moment. Not everyone will relate to the rappers Bigflo & Oli, just as others will not easily recognise Pierre Richard… And apart from those who followed Emmanuel Macron’s adventures in YouTuber land, the over-25s will probably struggle to identify McFly and Carlito, or – outside the octagon or bar-room clashes – Ragnar le Breton…
And as far as musical talent is concerned, one can bet that the broad “range” – from Matthieu Chedid to Angèle or Orelsan, by way of Philippe Katerine, who lends his talent and voice to, of course… (you’ll be able to guess!) – will delight a diverse audience.
It is indeed a talent of the producers and director to have brought together all these faces of our times, which “date” the film quite precisely – not pejoratively, but simply for the pleasure of remembering “those days” in a few years’ time. We shall see who will have passed into posterity and who will still be known to future generations.
But what is more interesting, and can inspire us in our own fields of action, is a double success.
First, that of Guillaume Canet, both actor and director.
By wanting to stage such a large number (you’ll see…) of “small and big stars”, he ran the risk of a succession of advertising shots – at best, of sketches – without much coherence. Perhaps suited to the culture of the moment so present on social media and in today’s world of images, of buzz and clashes, but tiresome for those who still enjoy the unfolding of a film. Of course, it is a family film and the plot is not hugely complex, so as to appeal to every audience. But he managed to weave a thread that, beyond the exclamations and bursts of laughter, lets you be carried along for the whole film.
And above all, his writing manages to please the great diversity of the audience the film is aimed at, with nods and tributes, more or less explicit, to every age group… from injuries on the football pitch to the quicksands of the Mexican desert…
Knowing how to address a wide variety of stakeholders at the same time is one of the challenges business decision-makers face. Without falling into caricature or cliché, while remaining sincere and authentic – and without retreating into the comfort of one’s own circle.
So, because one must know how to savour moments of relaxation, enjoy this film to the full, with no ulterior motive.
But perhaps remembering, afterwards, the sketches and dialogues, with all their levels of language and of understanding.
The second success is that of Jérôme Seydoux, who heads Pathé, the production and distribution company.
A humble master of ceremonies at this preview, he left the whole stage to the production and directing team, standing to one side of this group – excited or overawed, depending on temperament and experience. And yet… This humility was also what had marked his attendance at the screening of Jean-Jacques Annaud’s magnificent “Notre-Dame brûle” (“Notre-Dame on Fire”), for the École de Guerre audience at the École Militaire in Paris. In the front row, but among everyone else – not on the platform.
Putting others forward more than oneself, enabling their success by giving them access to an organisation’s resources, supporting their initiatives, offering them one’s expertise and experience… that too can inspire many of our decision-makers.
And bringing together the widest audience by giving access to emotions as varied as those that bring laughter and tears. Bringing people together, too, in the same very real space – that of a cinema, on the “big screen”.
So for all that – thank you, gentlemen.
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