Since “Thanks boss!” » François Ruffin has established himself as the French Michael Moore. Behind and in front of the camera, he puts his foot in the door to raise awareness about precariousness, working conditions, the gulf that separates the richest from the working classes.
After “I want the sun” (2019), on the yellow vests, and “Stand up, women!” » (2021), parliamentary road movie on the connection professions, he continues his collaboration with Gilles Perret, author of documentaries and fiction which reflect his social commitment.
The ambition to “reintegrate the rich” falls flat
The idea of “Get to work!” » was born on the set of a television channel, where François Ruffin was scrambling with lawyer Sarah Saldmann, a passionate advocate of ultraliberalism. Thanks to yet another outburst by the columnist against the “assisted”, the deputy for the Somme takes her at her word and invites her to live on the minimum wage for a month. Chick! The one who lunches in palaces and dresses in the best fashion designers takes up the challenge.
Filmed by the tandem, for one week (only) she shares the daily life of Amine, parcel delivery man in Lyon, Louisa, carer in Saint-Étienne, Sylvain, Secours populaire volunteer in Abbeville, Nathalie, maid in Touraine…
If the effect of contrast is powerful and undeniably comic, the greatest success of the film lies precisely in the failure of the initial project. While filming is almost complete, the lawyer, who moved from RMC to CNews, unreservedly supports Israel without a word for the victims in Gaza. It is therefore impossible for the filmmakers to continue the adventure.
François Ruffin's somewhat naive ambition to “reintegrate the rich” falls flat, the ideology is stronger than reality. What remains are the battered faces and journeys of Elie, Enès, Haroon, Nicolas, Mohammed, Illies and the others, whose testimonies are an antidote to the hateful speeches of the Bolloré channels.
“Get to work!” », by Gilles Perret and François Ruffin, France, 84 min
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