The Measure of a Man

The pressures of the employment situation in France are depicted in such mundane, low-key detail in this subdued drama, that it sometimes feels like a staged reality show, but with little glamour or reward for those taking part in it. Vincent Lindon stars as Thierry, a laid-off factory worker in his 50s who needs a job to support his wife and disabled son. Thierry is by no means an extreme case, but through his search for work we see the constant barrage of obstacles that face the middle-aged job-seeker. Finally, just as it seems he will be unemployed for life, Thierry is taken on as a security guard by a major supermarket. Now it is Thierry's turn to observe, poring over CCTV cameras to find the workers and shoppers taking desperate measures to supplement their meagre wages. It all ends quietly, and rather abruptly, but Lindon's dignified performance drives a beautifully shot and edited slice of modern blue-collar life.