Back in Business

Back in Business, known as "Tout de suite maintenant" in its homeland of France, is a riveting drama showcasing the relentless pursuits and hidden betrayals in the corporate world. Released in 2016, this movie is adeptly directed by the artistic mind of Pascal Bonitzer, featuring standout performances from a dynamic trio Jean-Pierre Bacri, Arthur Dupont, and Olivier Gourmet.

The narrative unfurls around Arthur Dupont's character, Paul, a young and ambitious financial attorney. Dupont’s portrayal of Paul is compelling; he masterfully portrays an idealistic young man driven by ambition, yet grounded by his moral framework. After finishing his internship at a prestigious law firm, Paul joins a corporate firm hoping to grow his professional repute.

Jean-Pierre Bacri plays the role of Gilles, Paul's new boss at the firm. Bacri presents Gilles as an erudite but obscure character, keeping the audience intrigued and guessing about his real motives. Olivier Gourmet plays the character of Daniel, the charismatic CEO of the company that their firm advises, further intensifying the plot. Gourmet’s role brings another layer of suspense and complexity to the proceedings, providing the film with a thrilling corporate backdrop.

The movie primarily focuses on the intricate dynamics among Paul, Gilles, and Daniel as they navigate the treacherous corporate landscape filled with high-stakes decisions, secrets, and unpredictable consequences. The relationships between these three main characters from differing generations and corporate hierarchies become increasingly multi-dimensional as the narrative evolves, which exposes the contribution of individual actions to the broader corporate ecosystem.

Apart from its well-executed corporate drama, Back in Business spells out an engrossing subplot with Paul's co-worker, Nora, played skillfully by the vivacious actress Agathe Bonitzer. Nora, who also happens to be Gilles' daughter, ensures that the corporate drama is well blended with personal strife, and familial politics, infusing an additional layer of emotional complexity to the narrative.

The film astutely dives into the darkness beneath the corporate veneer, revealing intriguing facets of ambition, greed, loyalty, and betrayal. It portrays the harsh realities of an environment, where ideologies are often compromised for personal gain, and ethical lines are blurred in the name of business.

With a rich backdrop of Bordeaux's urban landscape, the impressive cinematography of the film contributes immensely to the narrative. The city, known for its grandeur and decadence, becomes a silent character that underscores the corporate extravagance and ambition in the story. The resplendent cityscapes and office buildings beautifully contrast the private and oftentimes morally ambiguous world of the characters.

Back in Business amalgamates deep drama, corporate intrigue, emotional strife, and personal dilemmas into a single engrossing narrative. Director Pascal Bonitzer has brilliantly revealed the multi-faceted nature of the corporate world and the influence it holds over the personalities and lives of those intertwined within it. The whole film serves as both a critique and a revelation, shedding light on how the pursuit of power and success can dramatically shape individual destinies.

In essence, Back in Business, or "Tout de suite maintenant," provides a captivating glimpse of corporate life, far removed from its glamorous exterior. Featuring stellar performances that are both nuanced and riveting, this film proves to be a must-watch for those intrigued by the intricacies of corporate cultures and human dynamics.