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In his most recent and arguably most daring cinematic work, A Silence, Belgian director Joachim Lafosse tackles a subject as delicate as it is crucial: pedophilia and the silence surrounding its victims.
The film, starring Daniel Auteuil and Emmanuelle Devos, is inspired by the true story of a Belgian lawyer, Victor Hissel, who was convicted in 2010 for possession of child pornography. This case was particularly shocking as Hissel was a prominent figure in the fight against pedophilia in Belgium, having defended the parents of victims of Marc Dutroux, one of the country’s most notorious criminals.
This tenth film by Lafosse, known for not shying away from difficult subjects as evidenced by his previous works on mental illness Les Intranquilles (The Restless) and infanticide À perdre la raison (Losing Reason), stands out for its emotional depth and intimate exploration of the theme of silence. It addresses the internal conflict and suffering of a family faced with a horrific secret, embodied by the character played by Emmanuelle Devos, a woman torn between her devotion to her husband and the overwhelming truth of his actions.
Daniel Auteuil, in a complex and nuanced role, portrays this double-faced lawyer. Lafosse shares how he had to search extensively for an actor willing to take on such a controversial role, with many refusing for fear of the impact on their public image. Ultimately, Auteuil stepped forward, captivated by the depth of the script and ready to take on the challenge.
Beyond its plot, A Silence raises crucial questions about society and its taboos. Lafosse hopes that his film will help break the wall of silence surrounding sexual abuse, especially when it is suffered by men. He highlights the challenge of confessing such acts for male victims, often hindered by stereotypes of masculinity and social pressure.
Inspired by authors like Christine Angot and her book L’Inceste (Incest), Lafosse aims to contribute to a broader conversation about abuse of power and psychological manipulation in all spheres, including cinema. He underscores the importance of solidarity and speaking out, particularly in the current context in which the #MeToo movement encouraged many victims to share their stories.
A Silence is much more than a film, it is a call for awareness and action. By exploring the complex nuances of silence and guilt, Lafosse delivers a work that not only entertains, but seeks to awaken consciousness and encourage a necessary dialogue on topics often left in the shadows.
With AFP