The Young Man

The Young Man, a 1976 film directed by Chantal Akerman, revolves around the life of Roland, a young and charismatic male model navigating the city's fashion scene. The movie is a slow-paced and introspective commentary on the darker aspects of human nature, particularly in the context of the fashion world. As Roland's story unfolds, Akerman masterfully portrays the ways in which he manipulates and exploits those around him in pursuit of wealth, power, and pleasure. At the beginning of the film, Roland's character is introduced as a carefree and confident young man, effortlessly moving between various social circles and relationships. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that he has an almost calculated approach to forming connections with people. He effortlessly entwines himself into the lives of those around him, using his charm, good looks, and emotional manipulation to get what he wants. Akerman skillfully weaves the narrative to illustrate the various ways in which Roland exploits the people in his life. He forms connections with a young woman, played by Aurore Clément, who becomes drawn into his world of extravagance and excess. Through his relationships, Roland is able to gain access to a wealthy patron, and subsequently, to a world of luxury and unlimited resources. One of the most compelling aspects of The Young Man is its thoughtful exploration of the consequences of unchecked ambition. Roland's relentless pursuit of money and power leads him to make choices that are morally reprehensible, yet he believes that he is above the law. His conviction in his own untouchability is almost palpable, and Akerman portrays this sense of invincibility with unnerving clarity. Throughout the film, Akerman's directorial style is characterized by a deliberate pace and a focus on the mundane details of Roland's daily life. The film's visuals are stark and uncompromising, capturing the drab and often squalid surroundings of the city's underbelly. This visual aesthetic is reflective of Akerman's interest in exploring the darker aspects of human nature, and her deliberate approach to storytelling serves to underscore the themes of exploitation and manipulation that are at the heart of the film. One of the most striking aspects of The Young Man is its thought-provoking portrayal of the objectification and commodification of women in the fashion world. Roland's relationships are marked by a lack of genuine emotional connection, and his partners are often depicted as little more than accessories to his ego. This portrayal serves as a scathing critique of the societal norms that objectify women and reduce them to mere objects of desire. The film's portrayal of Roland's crimes is similarly unflinching. As he becomes embroiled in a world of vice and corruption, Akerman captures the ways in which he rationalizes and justifies his actions. This is particularly evident in his relationship with a young woman, who becomes embroiled in his world of excess and eventually loses her grip on reality. In the end, The Young Man is a haunting and unflinching commentary on the darker aspects of human nature. Akerman's thought-provoking portrayal of Roland's world serves as a reminder of the consequences of unchecked ambition and the dangers of objectifying and exploiting others for one's own gain. The film's deliberate pace and stark visuals serve to underscore its themes, creating a narrative that is both haunting and deeply unsettling.