See You Up There - See You Up There (2017)

Albert Dupontel's See You Up There is a visually audacious cinematic triumph, far transcending mere period drama to deliver a biting, melancholic, and darkly humorous critique of post-WWI French society. Dupontel, both director and co-star, orchestrates a grotesque ballet of human folly and artistic resilience. The film distinguishes itself through its opulent, almost theatrical production design and flamboyant costume work, which serve not as historical recreation but as a vibrant, satirical commentary on the era's superficiality masking deep-seated corruption and trauma. Nahuel Pérez Biscayart's evocative, largely non-verbal performance as Édouard Péricourt, the disfigured artist communicating through spectacular masks, is a tour de force, embodying the psychological scars of war with profound sensitivity and creativity. His silent artistry confronts the vocal villainy of Laurent Lafitte's Pradelle, personifying the chasm between integrity and avarice. The film masterfully blends tragic pathos with moments of absurd comedy, positioning itself as a unique entry in the anti-war genre, less concerned with battlefields than with the devastating, lingering civilian aftermath. Its vibrant aesthetic and piercing social commentary solidifies its place as a quintessential example of modern French cinematic brilliance, echoing the spirit of Jaco Van Dormael with a distinctly French sensibility.