Mammuth (2010)

Mammuth Poster

Serge Pilardosse has just turned 60. He has worked since the age of 16, never unemployed, never sick. But the hour of retirement has come, and it is disillusionment: he is missing points, some employers having forgotten to declare it! Pushed by Catherine, his wife, he gets on his old motorcycle from the 70s, a "Mammut" which earned him his nickname, and sets off in search of his pay slips. During his journey, he rediscovers his past and his quest for administrative documents soon becomes incidental...

Film Introduction
Mammuth is a comedic roadway film released in 2010, created by the French filmmaking duo Benoît Delépine and Gustave Kervern. The movie stars celebrated star Gérard Depardieu as Serge Pilardosse, who starts a bike journey, conference special characters while ruminating on his past. At its core, Mammuth is a story about discovering self-regard, dealing with inner turmoil, and discovering hope during retirement.

Plot
Serge Pilardosse, an eccentric and melancholic character, has actually simply retired from his job at a slaughterhouse. Upon discovering that there's an issue with his pension due to missing out on documentation from previous employers, he starts a journey throughout France to find his old companies. He utilizes his old '70s-era Münch "Mammut" motorcycle as a lorry for this journey, and this is where the movie gets its name.

Character Development and Humor
Throughout his journey, Serge meets a cast of singular characters who add a touch of unreasonable humor while reminding Serge of different times in his life. These include his former colleagues, an old flame, his niece, to name a few. Each interaction brings him closer to understanding himself and the world around him. Gérard Depardieu's characterization of Serge is both charming and humorous. His straightforwardness typically clashes with the odd scenarios he experiences, causing a number of comical moments.

Styles and Symbolism
Mammuth represents a critique of France's labor system through Serge's battle to secure his pension. The journey underscores the dangers and uncertainties retired people often face in protecting their hard-earned benefits. The motorbike signifies freedom, fond memories, and a connection to youth, which are significant throughout Serge's self-rediscovery throughout the movie.

Artistic Approach and Awards
Benoît Delépine and Gustave Kervern reveal their special filmmaking style through hand-held recording, a free-wheeling story, and a concentrate on the French countryside's charm. Mammuth was chosen for Golden Berlin Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival and for a César Award under the category of Best Original Screenplay.

Conclusion
Mammuth is a profoundly humanistic movie that checks out the dullness, and likewise the humor that sometimes arises from dealing with bureaucracy. Depardieu's touching efficiency efficiently carries the movie, leading us through Serge's previous mistakes and regrets, pushing him towards redemption, self-discovery, and peace. By the end, Mammuth offers a kind of catharsis both for the character and the audience.

Top Cast

  • Gérard Depardieu (small)
    Gérard Depardieu
    Serge Pilardosse, dit Mammuth
  • Yolande Moreau (small)
    Yolande Moreau
    Catherine Pilardosse
  • Isabelle Adjani (small)
    Isabelle Adjani
    L'amour perdu de Serge
  • Benoît Poelvoorde (small)
    Benoît Poelvoorde
    Le récupérateur de métal
  • Philippe Nahon (small)
    Philippe Nahon
    Le directeur gâteux de l'hospice
  • Bouli Lanners (small)
    Bouli Lanners
    Le recruteur
  • Anna Mouglalis (small)
    Anna Mouglalis
    La fausse handicapée
  • Siné (small)
    Siné
    Le viticulteur
  • Gustave Kervern (small)
    Gustave Kervern
    Le boucher au supermarché
  • Bruno Lochet (small)
    Bruno Lochet
    Le VRP au restaurant
  • Catherine Hosmalin (small)
    Catherine Hosmalin
    La copine de Catherine