Film Sparks French Culture War Over Nazi Collaboration

Xavier Giannoli's "Rays and Shadows," a three-hour drama about French collaboration with Nazis during WWII, has triggered a significant cultural debate across France. The film, released on March 18, has attracted over 620,000 moviegoers, a notable achievement for its length in the current theatrical market.

Starring Jean Dujardin as Jean Luchaire, a press baron who shifted from pacifism to influential collaboration, the film delves into the moral compromises of French high society during the occupation. It also features Nastya Golubeva as his daughter, Corinne, who also became involved with Nazi circles.

The film's depiction of collaborators has divided critics. Some accuse it of relativizing collaboration and humanizing figures who aided the Nazis, pointing to the lack of direct depictions of antisemitic violence. Others, like film critic Léonard Haddad, argue that Giannoli allows audiences to draw their own conclusions rather than providing a simplistic, black-and-white narrative.

Historians have also weighed in, with some criticizing the film for historical inaccuracies and attempting to stir sympathy. However, other historians and commentators defend the film, asserting that Giannoli's approach as a creator, rather than a historian, allows for a more profound exploration of France's tragic wartime past.

Gaumont's significant investment in "Rays and Shadows" is expected to yield returns through its ancillary markets, even if theatrical performance alone doesn't cover costs. The film is poised to be one of the year's most discussed French cinematic releases.