Belgian Entrepreneurs' Greed Leads to Downfall

Premiering at Berlinale, 'Variations on a Theme' chronicles the dramatic downfall of two 1990s Belgian entrepreneurs, Luc and Geert. Their success, built on a foundation of lies, is on the verge of collapse as exposure looms. Facing the imminent arrival of the police, they scramble to conceal their tracks, grappling with the consequences of their ambition.

The director aimed to explore the motivations behind greed, even in characters who appear as villains. The narrative traces their journey through the five stages of grief, with denial proving the most persistent obstacle. This mirrors the behavior of those in power who fiercely protect their status, often through deception.

Loosely inspired by real events in West Flanders, the film uses the entrepreneurs' story to comment on humanity and culture. The director suggests that Belgium's history of being conquered has fostered modesty, discouraging overt ambition. This cultural context influences how the protagonists cope with their failure.

As the entrepreneurs hit rock bottom, they begin to acknowledge their past betrayals of family and friends. Stripped of their power and wealth, their former connections and their bond with each other become paramount. The film highlights how, even in ruin, their friendship offers a potential path toward taking responsibility, revealing unexpected twists and dark humor.