Macadam Stories

Macadam Stories, also known as Asphalte in original French, is a magnificent anthology of three separate short stories written and directed by Samuel Benchetrit. The 2015 movie features a star-studded cast of Isabelle Huppert, Gustave Kervern, Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, and other talented actors. Set in an unnamed French city, the movie presents a cinematic tableau, interweaving tales of ordinary people, isolated in their urban lives, yet connecting through simple circumstances and human empathy.

The movie's triptych narrative begins in a dilapidated housing estate. Gustave Kervern plays the role of Sternkowitz, a lonely and somewhat quirky middle-aged man. Sternkowitz lives in an apartment complex plagued by a broken elevator, lonely souls, and an overall sense of urban blight. He's a vintage man living in a vintage apartment, with all his life revolving around a collection of old gym equipment. Replicated physical injuries prevent him from leaving his apartment and he spends the majority of his time at his window, observing the comings and goings of the nearby hospital.

Sternkowitz's storyline interweaves with Charly, the solitary teenage boy portrayed by Jules Benchetrit, the director’s real-life son. Charly's mother, played by Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, has the emotional detachment of someone overwhelmed by life. Over time, Charly develops a charmingly innocent fascination with one of their neighbors.

The third story introduces us to Isabelle Huppert, who portrays an aging actress known as ‘The Star.’ She has become somewhat reclusive, having lost the adulation she once enjoyed. Her character significantly stands out thanks to a minimalist and poignant display of solitude and fading stardom.

Macadam Stories distinctly captures the urban solitude experienced by many. It extraordinarily finds a way to transform the flat monotony, awkward interactions, and even the harsh alienation of city living into something subtly whimsical and deeply human. The individual narratives, although separate, connect in a way that emphasizes the shared experiences of loneliness, the need for connection, and the influence of seemingly ordinary moments.

Each storyline in Macadam Stories has its own comic yet melancholic reality that plays out against the backdrop of confined spaces – apartments, lobbies, and an almost empty but still lively housing complex. Benchetrit balances humor with his keen observations of life in an urban underbelly. The film is reflective, often pacific, and if it intends to hold any messages, it does so without pomp or fanfare.

Gustave Kervern brilliantly captures the stoic but wishful Sternkowitz, bringing complexity to the character with his deadpan expressions. Valeria Bruni Tedeschi’s portrayal of Charly’s mother is enchanting, adding a touch of surrealism to the overbearing solitude depicted throughout the movie. Jules Benchetrit shines as the teenager longing for companionship. However, it is Isabelle Hupert's moving portrayal of 'The Star' that stands out, as she beautifully captures the melancholy of her character, dealing with loneliness and forgotten fame.

Macadam Stories prompts the viewer to ponder how full of strangers the world is and yet how connected humans can be through the most mundane encounters. It suggests that the one thing lonelier than being alone is the belief in the impossibility of connection. At the same time, the movie also hints at triumphant humanity – our capacity to reach out to the stranger next to us, creating potent, if fleeting, relationships.

With its somber humor, minimalist style, brilliant acting, and subtle exploration of urban melancholy, Macadam Stories is an insightful and highly emotive film. It is an offbeat treat for those who appreciate cinema that is a little out of the ordinary, that explores the human condition in its most raw and unadulterated form, but also allows us to find beauty, joy, and humor in these moments of profound isolation and connection.

Samuel Benchetrit's touching depiction of loneliness and his examination of the human need for connection make Macadam Stories a compelling watch. It's a film that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the sting of urban solitude.