Skylab (2011)

Skylab Poster
Original Title: Le Skylab

It is 1979 and Albertine, 10, and all her family members have gathered in Brittany to celebrate the birthday of her grandmother. Everyone thinks that the Skylab space station from NASA will fall on their heads this summer. The meeting turns into a crazy weekend full of revelations, love and song.

Introduction
"Skylab" is a French drama film directed by Julie Delpy who was influenced to create it from her own youth experiences. The film was released in 2011 and has actually gotten recognition for its special, sentimental style and French beauty. It juxtaposes individual familial experiences with a considerable historical event - the crash of Skylab.

Plot
The film is embeded in 1979 and focuses on a family event in the French countryside. The Lehure household has actually collected to celebrate the grandma's birthday. Among the striking plot aspects includes an American space station called 'Skylab,' which is forecasted to fall somewhere in Western Europe, triggering a sense of mystical uneasiness.

The story is mostly informed through the POV of 10-year-old Albertine, played by Lou Alvarez, who is the youngest of the clan, and the lead character. She observes and tells the events, household dramas, happiness, and disputes, which intertwine with the household's combined concern about the approaching Skylab fall.

Characters and Performance
The cast includes several French stars consisting of Julie Delpy, Eric Elmosnino, Aure Atika, Noémie Lvovsky, and Bernadette Lafont. The characters are well-developed, wacky, and heartfelt, each with their own peculiarities and colorful characters, highlighting the diversity and heat normal to family dynamics.

Albertine, the young and innocent viewer of these occasions, adds a fresh and taking in point of view to the goings-on. Delpy does a commendable job in representing the mother, a generally emancipated woman in the post '68 period. Each actor excellently portrays their characters' unique traits, perfectly equating the feel of the late 70s.

Design and Themes
"Skylab" magnificently captures the vintage, easygoing environment of the 70s with its suitable outfit design, places, and soundtrack. It's laced with humor, nostalgia, and the easy-going French appeal. The film also checks out the themes of childhood, adolescence, family relationships, and generational spaces.

Amidst the joking, bickering, and feasting, there are serious concerns touched upon consisting of politics, feminism, and existential angst. The looming fear of Skylab fall adds a layer of shared apprehension and hooks the audience to the narrative.

Reception and Critics Response
The movie was favorably gotten for its well-crafted characters and the light, heartwarming portrayal of immersive family characteristics versus the backdrop of the traditionally considerable occasion. Critics commended Delpy's capability to build a multilayered story that captured the intricacies of family relations while highlighting historical significance.

Delpy was admired for her distinct mix of humor, drama, and fond memories. The efficiencies by the ensemble cast were likewise praised, particularly the lead character Albertine who took hearts with her innocence and perceptiveness.

Conclusion
"Skylab" is a charming, sentimental movie which manages to represent a vivid family saga set against a historical background. It not only checks out familial characteristics with humor and warmth, however also encapsulates a time of political and societal shift with the looming risk of Skylab fall including a twist to the narrative. The film stands out for its remarkable characters, its vibrant setting, and the distinct interaction of personal and historical occasions. A heartfelt homage to youth memories and family gatherings, "Skylab" leaves a long-lasting impression on audiences.

Top Cast

  • Lou Alvarez
    Albertine
  • Julie Delpy (small)
    Julie Delpy
    Anna
  • Eric Elmosnino (small)
    Eric Elmosnino
    Jean
  • Aure Atika (small)
    Aure Atika
    Tante Linette
  • Noémie Lvovsky (small)
    Noémie Lvovsky
    Tante Monique
  • Bernadette Lafont (small)
    Bernadette Lafont
    Mamie
  • Emmanuelle Riva (small)
    Emmanuelle Riva
    Jean dit Jacquot
  • Denis Ménochet (small)
    Denis Ménochet
    Tonton Roger
  • Albert Delpy (small)
    Albert Delpy
    Tonton Hubert
  • Sophie Quinton (small)
    Sophie Quinton
    Tante Clémentine
  • Karin Viard (small)
    Karin Viard
    Albertine adulte