Exploring ‘Who by Fire’ in 4Columns: A Deep Dive into Artistic Interpretations

Exploring Power Dynamics in Philippe Lesage’s ‘Who by Fire’

A Quebec Wilderness Vacation unveils Complex Relationships

Philippe Lesage’s “Who by Fire,” opening March 14, 2025, at Film at Lincoln Center, New York City, delves into the intricate power dynamics that unfold during a Quebec wilderness vacation. The film, reminiscent of early Denys Arcand’s slow-burn thrillers, presents a compelling study of isolation, frustration, flirtation, and friendship among its characters.

Unlike Arcand’s Francophone rednecks, lesage’s characters are closer to the well-heeled intellectuals of “The decline of the American Empire.” The setting is one of those sprawling rural “cottages” where the Canadian haute bourgeoisie escape after the winter thaw, providing a backdrop for simmering tensions and unspoken desires.

The Central Characters and Their entanglements

• Albert (Paul Ahmarani): A middle-aged screenwriter accompanied by his two teenage children, Aliocha and Max. He grapples with bitterness over a dissolved partnership with Blake.
• Blake (Arieh worthalter): A prosperous documentary filmmaker and Albert’s former collaborator, whose retreat reflects his important personal fortune.
• aliocha (Aurélia Arandi-Longpré): Albert’s thoughtful and introspective daughter, whose warm demeanor is often misinterpreted.
• Jeff (Noah Parker): Max’s best freind, an aspiring director, whose pining for Aliocha leads to excruciating and ultimately disastrous attempts at affection.

The film masterfully choreographs its ensemble cast, often employing deep-focus long takes that capture the complex interactions between characters. “There is a scene…of the group erupting into an impromptu dance party to the B-52’s ‘Rock Lobster’ that is the finest floor show in a two-and-a-half-hour-plus ‘art film’ as the Kinks’ ‘This Time Tomorrow’ needle-drop in Philippe Garrel’s Regular Lovers (2005),” highlighting Lesage’s directorial dexterity.

jeff’s Emotional Isolation and Unrequited Longing

At the heart of “Who by Fire” is Jeff’s emotional isolation and mounting frustration. As one review notes, “as soon as the camera pans up on him sitting next to Arandi-Longpré in the back seat of the car after a furtive attempt at brushing his hand against hers, it’s clear that his pining for her is both excruciating and destined to come to naught.” His failed attempt at a kiss underscores his emotional imbalance and the awkward realities of teenage desire.

Blake’s promise to mentor jeff,calling him “Spielberg,” adds another layer of complexity,as the established auteur’s motives remain ambiguous. This dynamic explores the predatory nature of power and influence in the film industry.

Themes of Self-Sabotage and the Interior vs. Exterior

“Who by Fire” also explores themes of self-sabotage and the friction between the interior art of the written word and the exterior art of cinema. Aliocha’s novel, with its first chapter titled “The Desire to Lose,” delves into the human tendency to self-sabotage, a means “to punish themselves because they feel guilty for existing.”

Lesage’s depiction of the neurotic,symbiotic relationship between director and screenwriter is particularly acute,highlighting the challenges and complexities of creative collaboration. This is further explored through Albert and Blake’s fraught history and their differing artistic paths.

Analyzing Performances and directorial Choices

While the film’s exploration of character dynamics and thematic concerns is compelling, some critics suggest that attempts to “open up” Aliocha in the homestretch feel like “a series of unsuccessful auditions for an ending.” However, Aurélia Arandi-longpré’s nuanced performance largely transcends these perceived shortcomings.

The film’s stunning views of Quebec’s natural splendors, captured by cinematographer balthazar Lab, contribute to an atmosphere of placid menace, enhancing the sense of unease and tension that permeates the narrative. This is achieved through careful framing, and adds depth to the characters that inhabit it.

Real-World applications and Actionable Advice

• Reflect on Your Own Relationships: Are there power dynamics at play in your friendships, family, or professional relationships? Understanding these dynamics can definitely help you navigate them more effectively.
• Embrace Vulnerability and Authenticity: Jeff’s downfall is partly due to his inability to be authentic. Strive for genuine connection, even if it means risking rejection.
• Explore Your Creative Passions: Aliocha’s writing and Jeff’s filmmaking aspirations highlight the importance of creative expression. Identify your own passions and dedicate time to pursuing them.
• Question mentorship Dynamics: Be wary of those who offer mentorship with ulterior motives. Seek out genuine mentors who prioritize your growth and development.

Conclusion

“Who by Fire” is more than just a film; it’s a mirror reflecting the complexities of human relationships, the allure of power, and the struggle for self-finding. with its nuanced performances and thought-provoking themes, Lesage’s film invites viewers to contemplate their own desires, frustrations, and the subtle ways in which power shapes our lives. Now playing in select theaters, “Who By Fire” is sure to spark conversations about relationships and self- perception.

How do the characters in “Who by Fire” navigate and demonstrate the complexities of power dynamics within their relationships?

Unpacking Power Dynamics: An Interview with Film Critic Genevieve Dubois on “who by Fire”

Philippe Lesage’s “Who by Fire” is generating buzz for it’s intense exploration of relationships and power, all set against the backdrop of a Quebec wilderness vacation. to delve deeper into the film’s themes, Archyde spoke with Genevieve Dubois, a renowned film critic and professor of film studies at Université de Montréal.

Genevieve, thanks for joining us. “Who by Fire” seems to resonate beyond just a simple vacation drama.what are your initial impressions?

Thanks for having me.Absolutely.What strikes me most about “Who by Fire” is Lesage’s unflinching portrayal of human vulnerability, particularly regarding power dynamics. he doesn’t shy away from the awkwardness and discomfort inherent in relationships, especially during times of seeming relaxation.

The film features a clear contrast between albert’s bitterness and Blake’s apparent success. how does this tension contribute to the overall narrative?

Their fractured partnership is central. It represents a collision between artistic integrity and commercial success. Albert, the screenwriter, feels overshadowed by Blake, the documentary filmmaker with the means for that Quebec “cottage” retreat. This creates a simmering resentment that permeates their interactions and impacts everyone around them, embodying themes of self-sabotage and creative rivalry.

Jeff’s unrequited affection for aliocha is a meaningful plot thread.what does this part of the story communicate about teenage desires and social awkwardness?

Jeff’s pining is excruciating precisely because it’s so relatable. he is struggling with feelings that are both intense and poorly understood. Lesage masterfully captures the agonizing gap between what Jeff wants to express and his ability to do so. This narrative brilliantly showcases the pitfalls of inauthenticity when genuine connection feels unattainable.

Blake’s ambiguous mentorship of Jeff adds another layer. what does the film say about the predatory nature between established figures and aspiring talent in creative industries?

This is a critical point. Blake’s pronouncements, calling Jeff “Spielberg,” raise questions about his true intentions. Is he genuinely nurturing talent, or is he acting on something more self-serving? The film subtly suggests that power can be a weapon, and mentorship can sometimes be more about ego boosting than genuine guidance.

aliocha’s novel, “the Desire to Lose,” seems central to understanding the characters’ motivations.could you expand on this?

Aliocha’s writing is the key to unlocking a central theme: self-sabotage.Her novel represents an introspection into the human need to self-destruct, to punish ourselves. This theme resonates strongly with several characters who sabotage relationships and opportunities due to feelings of guilt or inadequacy. This also provides the framework for the friction between the exterior art that is cinema to the interior art that is written word.

Some reviews suggest the ending feels somewhat disjointed.How do you assess the film’s conclusion, particularly aurélia Arandi-Longpré’s Performance?

While the ending might feel a bit rushed, I disagree that it detracts substantially from the overall impact. Aurélia Arandi-Longpré delivers a nuanced performance throughout the film. Even during these “audition” scenes at the end the natural nature of her performance keeps the film afloat. and, indeed, while the ending might not be perfect, the overall journey of self and discovery is.

The film’s Quebec setting seems integral to its mood. how does the cinematography contribute to the narrative?

Absolutely. The stunning landscapes in “Who by Fire,” thanks to cinematographer Balthazar Lab,create this sense of deceptive calm. The breathtaking scenery masks undercurrents of tension. This contrast between physical grandeur and emotional unrest is a key aspect of the film’s appeal and storytelling.

“Who by Fire” is now playing in select theaters. what message or themes do you hope viewers take away from the experience?

I hope viewers come away reflecting on the complex power dynamics that exist within their own lives. do we self-sabotage? Are we aware of how our actions impact others, especially within close relationships? “Who by Fire” is a powerful meditation on human connection, and even if uncomfortable, ultimately invites us to become better versions of ourselves.

Genevieve, what is a question you can leave our readers to ponder upon?

has “Who by Fire” made you consider a time when you may have unintentionally exerted undue influence or power over someone else, and what personal reflections do you draw from that remembrance?