Beau Travail is a French drama film released in 1999. The story is set in Djibouti, a small African country, and it revolves around Galoup, a Foreign Legion officer, who reflects on his life. Galoup used to lead his troops with pride and dignity in the Gulf of Djibouti before the arrival of a new recruit, Sentain. Sentain is young, attractive, and quickly becomes popular among the soldiers. Galoup, on the other hand, is middle-aged, strict, and introverted.
As Sentain's popularity grows, Galoup's jealousy and insecurity begin to take over him. He perceives Sentain as a threat to his authority and starts to find ways to undermine him. For instance, he manipulates the soldiers to isolate Sentain and makes him live away from their barracks. Galoup sees Sentain as a challenge to his masculinity, and he becomes obsessed with him to the point where he starts to lose his own sense of identity.
The movie is a contemplative narrative of the human condition and the frailties that people possess. Throughout the film, through Galoup's point of view, the audience is exposed to the world of the Foreign Legion and the rigorous lifestyle and discipline required. The film is made up of stunning visual landscapes, which also contribute significantly to the movie's atmosphere and tone. Beau Travail is a deeply reflective film about isolation, loneliness, and jealousy by Claire Denis that features a standout performance by the actor Denis Lavant as Galoup.