Fifth feature film directed by Agnès Jaoui, and still co-written with her loyal partner Jean-Pierre Bacri, “Place publique” is an opportunity for the duo to introduce the cynical and ruthless world of French television to the general public. The character played by Jean-Pierre Bacri is also inspired by one of the most famous animators of the PAF.
Public square: Jaoui-Bacri still in business
Do we know a more inseparable duo of screenwriters in France than that formed by Agnès Jaoui and Jean-Pierre Bacri? Indeed, the two wrote many plays and screenplays together, also playing in the works they have produced and / or scripted. Public place is again the fruit of their strong association. Also playing in the feature film, the couple is accompanied in the cast by Léa Drucker, Helena Noguerra, Kévin Azaïs, Mister V or even Sarah Suco.
Public place follows Castro, a declining television presenter. The latter goes to the housewarming of his friend and producer Nathalie. For the facilitator, this event will prove to be very difficult, between reunion with his ex-wife, meeting with his new companion, and next door neighbor not very convenient.
Everybody talks about it
For this film, Agnès Jaoui and Jean-Pierre Bacri not only wanted to deal with the new generation of celebrities (which is gradually supplanting the old one), but also with the cynicism shouting behind the scenes of television. Thus, the character played by Jean-Pierre Bacri is inspired by the host Thierry Ardisson. The latter is, in fact, one of the symbols of French television, in its best aspects, like its worst.
Creator of many shows that have marked the small screen (Last Paris, Everyone’s talking about it, We tried everything, Hi Earthlings), it is also controversial for his aggressive and provocative talks with the personalities he invites on his sets. As a result, he has become the target of many spectators, in particular those of the 2010s who criticize him for his “TV to Papa” style as well as his contemptuous, old-fashioned and has-been attitude towards young celebrities. This was clearly seen during an interview with the famous YouTuber Squeezie in 2017.
In the press kit of Public place, Jean-Pierre Bacri also explains why this kind of animators served as a model:
We wanted to talk about these star animators who profess and practice the politically incorrect, intrude into people’s lives, put everything in the public space to create an audience and a buzz. A lot of animators are making their bread with this misconception at the moment. Finally, it’s been around for a long time!
