I Am Not An Easy Man

I Am Not An Easy Man is a French romantic comedy film from 2018 whose core theme is gender role reversal. Directed by Eleonore Pourriat, the film features Vincent Elbaz, Marie-Sophie Ferdane, and Pierre Benezit, among others.

At the center of the story is the character named Damien, portrayed by Vincent Elbaz. Damien is the epitome of the modern-day chauvinist, living his life filled with machismo and steeped in male privilege. He’s a successful bachelor and a high-ranking employee of a publishing house who has his way with women using his charm and good looks. He relishes the “advantages” of being a man in the patriarchal society in which he thrives. However, an unusual event would lead Damien to experience an overnight transformation in his world.

What is unique about I Am Not An Easy Man is the inventive and tongue-in-cheek manner it utilizes the narrative to overturn the societal norms and explore a matriarchal society. The film takes the audience into an alternate version of Paris where the roles are flipped, and women have dominated every societal aspect, from culture to fashion to politics. Damien wakes up in this new world after bumping his head and fainting, a new world where the gender dynamics are completely reversed.

In this innovative society, the director hasn’t only switched the gender roles but has also overturned the masculine and feminine stereotypes. Men are ogled at and objectified, men with body hair are scorned, and it is the men who wear impractical, revealing clothes, and they fret about getting older. The men also bear the emotional domestic responsibilities, caring for children, facing street harassment, and negotiating the difficulties of work-life balance.

In stark contrast is Alexandra, portrayed by Marie-Sophie Ferdane. She is a successful author who mirrors Damien’s chauvinist attitudes in the old world. She becomes Damien’s guide to this new world, unfolding the disparities of the reverse-sexist society. Alexandra helps him navigate the expectations upon him as he stumbles and fumbles through this new world where he is expected to be sensitive, submissive, and docile. Their interaction forms a significant part of the film as they are forced to confront their stereotypical beliefs, creating a balance of humor, sarcasm, and reality that the audience can appreciate.

Through these lead characters, the film presents a satirical and poignant social commentary on the social graces and biases deeply ingrained in our contemporary society. This flipped world in the film does not advocate for the matriarchy instead of patriarchy but depicts the absurdity of the gender discrimination that exists in today's world.

Pourriat's approach in the film showcases the invisible and normalized aspects of gender inequality to the extent that they almost seem ludicrous when scrutinized under a gender-swapped lens. It intelligently employs the comedy genre to present an unfiltered view of discrimination without downplaying its gravity.

The cinematography celebrates the beauty of Paris in its usual style while incorporating the narrative's peculiar twist effectively showcasing the topsy-turvy world of gender-flipped Paris. The production design reinvents the fashion norms, architecture, and societal expectations, making the alternate world authentic and believable.

Casting and performances also contribute significantly to the storytelling. Vincent Elbaz’s performance as the bewildered and disgruntled Damien dealing with the new reality is engaging to watch. He effectively portrays the struggles of Damien, creating a stark contrast to his earlier chauvinist character. On the other hand, Marie-Sophie Ferdane as Alexandra embodies the strong and independent woman, reflecting her dominance with grace, which becomes the perfect foil to Elbaz's character.

In conclusion, I Am Not An Easy Man provides a thought-provoking and entertaining narrative that is amusing, satirical, and challenging in equal measure. By cleverly intertwining humor and gender discussion, it forces its audience to critically consider the gender issues of the modern world. An innovative premise, stellar performances, and the clever use of comedy make the film a must-watch. It’s an important discourse depicted with fun, leaving the audience with food for thought.