by Hudson Moura
Robert Guédiguian returns with And the Party Goes On ! (Et la fête continue!), a film deeply rooted in the city of Marseille, bringing together his beloved trio once again: Ariane Ascaride, Jean-Pierre Darroussin, and Gérard Meylan. Set in the heart of the working-class district of old Marseille, the film revolves around Rosa, played by Ascaride, a nurse who is the backbone of her community and the matriarch of a close-knit family.
Guédiguian’s long-standing collaboration with Ariane Ascaride is a highlight, as her performance as Rosa is both sensitive and stirring. This film marks another chapter in French cinema’s longest and most fruitful partnerships.
In classic Guédiguian fashion, the film explores the struggles of the working class, a theme that has been a constant throughout his career. However, And the Party Goes On ! takes a more politically charged turn. Rosa, named after the famous socialist Rosa Luxemburg, runs for municipal office, while her brother Antonio (after Antonio Gramsci) represents the last of the true communists. The siblings’ activist father instilled in them the importance of caring for the community and fighting for the common good, an ideal that permeates their lives.
Guédiguian masterfully weaves political and personal stories together, showing how the past shapes the present. Rosa, the healer and nurturer of her community, is a compelling figure not just as a nurse but also as a candidate who wants to bring real change. On the other hand, Antonio embodies the dying embers of communism, clinging to ideals that seem distant in the face of modern political disillusionment.
One of the film’s most striking elements is its deep connection to the history and people of Marseille. The city’s Armenian roots are acknowledged, highlighting the significant contribution of the Armenian community to the city’s foundation. In a poignant, symbolic moment, the character Homère (after the blind poet) is portrayed as blind but not deaf, representing the voices of the community that refuse to be silenced.
The film’s heart lies in depicting a fragile yet resilient community. One of the most powerful scenes involves the community of a collapsed building—a tragedy inspired by real events—voicing their demands for justice. Their outcry for their lost loved ones adds an emotional depth to the narrative, circling back to the film’s overarching theme of solidarity and loss, invisibility and loss.
At its core, And the Party Goes On ! is a lament for the lost ideals of politics and the broken promises of change. While it retains the warmth and sense of community that is the signature of Guédiguian’s work, it also carries a sense of disappointment, portraying the political landscape through a lens of disillusionment and melancholy. Ultimately, And the Party Goes On ! reminds us that it is never too late to fight for one’s dreams or community.
This poignant exploration of class, politics, and community will be presented at the Cinéfranco—Festival International du film francophone, which will run from November 1 to 10, 2024, at the Carlton Cinema in Toronto.