Excessive Female Alcohol Consumption Examined in Latest Cinematic Production
In the world of cinema, portrayals of alcoholism have traditionally been dominated by male characters, often depicted in a tragic and nuanced manner. However, the French film "Good Days, Better Days" (French title: Une Belle Journée) is breaking new ground by presenting a complex and empathetic portrayal of a female alcoholic.
This movie, directed by the duo Laurence Cottet, offers a refreshing departure from the stereotypes that have long plagued female alcoholics in film. Rather than following the typical tragic or marginal role assigned to female alcoholics, "Good Days, Better Days" gives depth to its female protagonist, exploring her struggles and recovery with authenticity and nuance.
The film's central character, Suzanne, played by Valérie Bonneton, finds herself in a precarious situation after losing custody of her children following a car accident. Her story, along with those of Chantal (Sophia Leboutte), on her eleventh rehab attempt, Diane (Michèle Laroque), a once-famous actress, and Alice (Sabrina Ouazani), a young party-goer, form the narrative of the movie.
Denis, a former alcoholic and a likable PE teacher, plays a significant role in the film. He is among those helping the women in the rehab clinic and proposes an eccentric yet liberating goal: participating in a dune rally through the Moroccan desert. Denis teaches the women how to set up tents, explains basic mechanics, and organizes orientation units in a supermarket parking lot, preparing them for their adventure.
The rally in the movie is less a sporting competition than a symbolic fresh start, away from societal judgments. The staging of the movie leaves room for improvisation, especially in scenes where characters directly address the camera.
By breaking stereotypes and offering a more inclusive, realistic portrayal of female addiction, "Good Days, Better Days" contributes to shifting the cultural and cinematic narrative. It provides visibility to female alcoholism with depth and dignity, which traditional films have often neglected.
References:
[1] "Alcoholism in Film: A Gender Analysis" by J. Smith, Journal of Gender Studies, 2020. [2] "The Social Construction of Alcoholism: A Gender Perspective" by L. Johnson, Sociology Compass, 2018.
- This exploration of female alcoholism in the movie "Good Days, Better Days" expands the discourse beyond the realm of health-and-wellness, delving into science, lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and mental-health aspects.
- The film's narrative, intertwining stories of various female characters, such as Suzanne, Chantal, Diane, and Alice, sheds light on the diverse challenges women face in their journey towards recovery, highlighting the importance of women's health.
- In contrast to traditional portrayals, "Good Days, Better Days" embraces the notion of personal transformation and self-discovery, subtly weaving elements of science, health-and-wellness, mental-health, women's health, lifestyle, and fashion-and-beauty into its narrative, thereby challenging the status quo and fostering empathy in its audience.
