In France, this film was widely criticized for its heavy dialogue, its special effects considered weak and its storyline full of clichés. Yet internationally, the blockbuster has captured attention, racking up nearly 70 million views and receiving praise from renowned media outlets like The Guardian and Variety.
Worn by Bérénice Bejo, the film Under the Seine tells the story of a mutant shark that sows terror in the waters of the Seine just before a swimming race for the Olympic Games. If the scenario and special effects were criticized by the French press, on the other hand, they were appreciated by the international publicexplain The Parisian.
“Finally a shark film worthy of swimming in the wake of Jaws!“, enthused
Variety, a leading American cultural weekly. The media praised a scenario “well put together” and appreciated Bérénice Bejo’s performance. “It sounds ridiculous, but Under the Seine is so much fun and solidly built that you will inevitably get carried away and you will love the journey!“, added the Italian GQ.
Under the Seine: a satirical film failed for French critics?
French critics were much more severe. They notably criticized the film its heavy humor, its caricatured dialogues and its lack of credibility. Some have also seen in
Under the Seine a failed satire of French society.
“The film is full of clichés and the dialogues are extremely heavy“, had criticized
Telerama. “It feels like a girl from the 80s“, added The world. “The caricature of the mayor of Paris is grotesque and the scene where the police ask the homeless to leave the banks of the Seine is totally unrealistic“, added
Release.
A gap in perception due to the language barrier and the interpretation grid
Several reasons can explain this gap in perception between French and foreign critics. The language barrier is undoubtedly one of the first factors to take into account. French critics have particularly noted the heaviness of the dialogues of
Under the Seinean element that the Anglo-Saxons, not speaking the language of Molière, were unable to notice. Another possible reason: the lack of knowledge of the French political and social climate on the part of the Americans and British.
Certain situations appear grotesque and ridiculous when we know the Parisian reality. Example ? The pathetic caricature of the mayor of the capital, mix between Anne Hidalgo and Valérie Pécresse. Finally, it is possible that French critics paid more attention to the satirical aspect of the film, where the Americans and the English saw a pure horror film. Regardless, the international success of
Under the Seine show that French cinema can still please audiences around the world. The film nevertheless questions the differences in perception between cultures and the place of humor in cinema.
