My American Uncle

(1980)Directed by Alain Resnais126 minComedy, Drama, Romance

Professor Henri Laborit uses three people's stories to discuss behaviourist theories of survival, combat, rewards and punishment, and anxiety: René is a technical manager at a textile factory and must face the anxiety caused by corporate downsizing; Janine is a self-educated actress/stylist who learns that the wife of her lover is dying and must decide to let them reunite; and Jean is a controversial career-climbing writer/politician at a crossroads in life.

Gérard Depardieuas René Ragueneau
Nicole Garciaas Janine Garnier
Roger Pierreas Jean Le Gall
Nelly Borgeaudas Arlette Le Gall
Pierre Arditias Zambeaux, le représentant de la direction générale à Paris
Gérard Darrieuas Léon Veestrate
Philippe Laudenbachas Michel Aubert
Marie Duboisas Thérèse Ragueneau
Henri Laboritas Henri Laborit
Bernard Malaterreas Jean's Father
Laurence Royas Jean's Mother
Alexandre Rignaultas Jean's Grandfather
Véronique Silveras Janine's Mother
Jean Lescotas Janine's Father
Geneviève Mnichas René's Mother
Maurice Gauthieras René's Father
Guillaume Boisseauas Child Jean
Ina Bedartas Child Janine
Ludovic Salisas Child René
François Calvezas Teen René
Stephanie Loustauas Teen Janine
Damien Boisseauas Teen Jean
Gaston Vacchiaas Henri, René's uncle