Comedy,Drama,Romance
France
My American Uncle is a French film directed by Alain Resnais and released in 1980. The film is a commentary on human behavior as seen through the lives of three disparate characters. The three characters are René, Janine, and Jean. The characters' stories are told throughout the film as Lectures on Physiology and Biology given by Prof. Henri Laborit, a real-life French surgeon, biologist and philosopher.
René is a middle-aged technical manager who is trying to navigate his way through the complex world of corporate downsizing. He is under constant stress and becomes increasingly anxious as his workload grows. René is constantly worried about losing his job and the impact that could have on his family. He has a strained relationship with his brother and a loveless marriage.
Janine is a self-educated actress/stylist who is trying to make a name for herself in the entertainment industry. She has an affair with a married man, but her life is turned upside down when she learns that his wife is dying. Janine must decide whether to let her lover reunite with his wife or to continue the affair.
Jean is a controversial career-climbing writer/politician who is at a crossroads in his life. He is struggling to balance his political aspirations with his journalistic integrity. Jean is also dealing with his growing love for his neighbor, who is already in a relationship. He must decide whether to pursue the relationship or maintain his political ambitions.
As the film progresses, the stories of the three characters intersect and overlap, creating a commentary on the nature of human behavior. The film explores themes such as survival, combat, rewards and punishment, and anxiety. My American Uncle was well-received by critics and remains a popular film amongst audiences today.
