If Cantet outlines Human Resources like a Gallic Frank Capra movie, he ends the flick ambiguously, bolstering its credibility. Cantet also demonstrates a remarkable hand with his performers. Lespert has an appealing presence and shows some real range. He s also the only professional thespian in the cast. All of the others on the screen are landed jobs on the film when Cantet scoured the unemployment lines looking for people who could fit the roles.
Bosses play the bosses, and M lador is really a union official.
All of the people in the film look as if they belong in the factory, but they have enough poise in front of the camera to hold their own with Lespert. Cantet also shot the movie on Digital Video. Although the technology shown here is inferior to film, it s actually an asset. The grainy, dull colors make the factory and the town that surrounds it look even more bleak. If the workers don t appear to be leaping for joy, one quick glance offers an explanation.