Watch I'm Going Home

I'm Going Home is a thoughtfully crafted French drama film directed by renowned filmmaker Manoel de Oliveira. The movie was first released in 2001 and features a star-studded cast including Michel Piccoli, Catherine Deneuve, John Malkovich and more. The plot of I'm Going Home revolves around the life of Gilbert Valence (Michel Piccoli), a well-known stage actor in his 70s, who lives a comfortable and happy life with his wife and grandson in Paris. One day, during a rehearsal for a theatrical production of Ulysses, Gilbert receives the devastating news that his wife, daughter, and son-in-law have died in a car accident. Gilbert is left to care for his grandson whom he loves dearly, but whose presence only reminds him of his tragic loss.

The plot of the movie takes an introspective angle while highlighting the struggles faced as Gilbert battles with coming to terms with the loss of his family alongside his obligations to his career and the responsibility of raising his grandson. In his grief, Gilbert finds himself distanced from reality, but as the movie progresses you get to see how he struggles to reconcile his past with the present.

Michel Piccoli delivers a fantastic performance as Gilbert Valence. He perfectly portrays the complexity of emotions that come with dealing with grief and loss, right from his initial state of shock and complete detachment from reality all the way through to acceptance of his new circumstances. His character is relatable, and you can't help but feel for him and empathize with his situation.

One unexpected thing about the movie that stands out is the inclusion of Catherine Deneuve in the cast, who appears to represent the ghost or a figment of Gilbert's imagination of his lost wife. Her presence adds to the emotional weight of the movie as it highlights the grief and the agony of living with the memory of a loved one who's no longer there.

John Malkovich also plays a minor role in the movie as a Hollywood director, who offers Gilbert a role in his adaptation of James Joyce's "Ulysses." It's an exciting role for Gilbert, and the preparation for the part seems to provide him with some comfort and distraction from the harsh reality of his life.

Director Manoel de Oliveira's filmmaking techniques in I'm Going Home are unique and quite impressive. He uses long takes, which puts the viewer in the moment, creating an intense connection with Gilbert as he navigates his way through the plethora of emotions he's facing.

In conclusion, I'm going Home is a beautiful, captivating, and introspective film that touches on the realities of grief and the struggle of moving on after a tragic loss. The performance by Michel Piccoli is remarkable, and combined with the exceptional cinematography, dialogue, and direction, Manoel de Oliveira's I'm Going Home comes highly recommended as a must-watch.