‘A Man of His Time’ Review: Odd-Duck Docudrama Explores the Gears of Fascism
'A Man of His Time' is a docudrama that explores the complexities of collaboration during World War II through the lens of a mediocre character. The film, directed by Emmanuel Marre, presents a unique aesthetic that blends past and present, highlighting the mundane aspects of fascism. It examines how ordinary individuals can contribute to larger atrocities, all while maintaining a sense of irony and dark humor.
- ▪The film follows Henri Marre, a character based on the director's great-grandfather, as he navigates the Vichy government during World War II.
- ▪Emmanuel Marre employs a distinctive visual style that contrasts with traditional historical dramas, using handheld cameras and improvised dialogue.
- ▪The narrative illustrates how unremarkable individuals can play roles in oppressive systems, emphasizing the banality of evil.
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Home > Creative Content > Movies ‘A Man of His Time’ Review: Odd-Duck Docudrama Explores the Gears of Fascism Cannes 2026: Emmanuel Marre’s film follows the French Resistance during World War II Ben Croll May 20, 2026 @ 8:33 AM Share on Social Media Share on Facebook Share on X (formerly Twitter) Share on LinkedIn Share on Email "A Man of His Time" (Photo courtesy of Cannes Film Festival) Hannah Arendt’s old adage about evil has grown banal from overuse, though it finds interesting new ripples in Emmanuel Marre’s “A Man of His Time.” Not that the central anti-hero is particularly malevolent — he’s simply a middle-aged mediocrity who turns to Vichy collaboration to reboot a stalled career.
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