Latest news with #class
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
13 Behaviors That Reveal Someone Is Classless
Navigating social spaces can be tricky, especially when you're trying to maintain a sense of class and dignity. Sometimes, it's the subtle behaviors that give away a lack of sophistication. Whether it's a seemingly small gesture or a glaring lack of tact, the signs can be quite telling. Here are 13 behaviors that reveal someone might be a little rough around the edges. As you read, consider how these behaviors manifest and if you've encountered them in your own social circles. 1. They Have Bad Table Manners Your dining habits can reveal a lot about your upbringing and social awareness. Poor table manners, like eating noisily or using utensils incorrectly, can be off-putting and suggest a lack of refinement. These habits can distract from the meal and make others feel uneasy about sharing a dining experience with you. Etiquette expert Emily Post's Institute highlights that good manners are about consideration for others and making dining experiences pleasant for everyone involved. Maintaining proper table manners shows respect for your dining companions and the environment. It's not just about following rigid rules, but about ensuring a comfortable atmosphere for everyone at the table. Small gestures, like using a napkin properly or waiting for everyone to be served before starting, go a long way. Paying attention to these details can elevate your dining experience and reflect positively on your character. Practicing good table manners is a simple yet effective way to display class. It's about making the dining experience enjoyable for both you and others. 2. They Disregard Dress Codes Dress codes, whether stated or implied, play an important role in social settings. Disregarding these guidelines can make you stand out in all the wrong ways, suggesting a lack of awareness or respect for the occasion. The way you present yourself speaks volumes about how seriously you take the event and the people attending it. People who value class understand the importance of dressing appropriately and adhering to the expected norms. It's about showing respect for the host and the effort put into organizing the event. Ignoring dress codes can create a disconnect between you and the other attendees, making it difficult to blend in or engage comfortably. Dressing appropriately doesn't mean sacrificing personal style; it's about finding a balance that respects the occasion and reflects your personality. Take the time to understand the context and adjust your attire accordingly. Doing so demonstrates a sense of social awareness and respect for those around you. The right outfit can project confidence and respect, hallmarks of a classy demeanor. 3. They Brag Non-Stop While it's natural to want to share your achievements, excessive bragging can come off as self-centered and insecure. People who constantly boast about their successes often leave others feeling alienated or diminished. This behavior can signal a need for validation or an overinflated sense of self-importance. Instead, people who handle themselves with class know how to share accomplishments modestly and gracefully. They understand that true confidence doesn't need constant affirmation. Bragging can also disrupt conversations, shifting the focus solely onto the bragger rather than fostering a balanced dialogue. To maintain a sense of class, focus on humility and let your achievements speak for themselves. Acknowledge the contributions of others and celebrate their successes alongside your own. This approach builds stronger relationships and leaves a positive impression. Remember, a little humility goes a long way in demonstrating sophistication. 4. They Use Foul Language Language is a powerful tool, and the words you choose can greatly impact how others perceive you. Frequent use of foul language can be jarring and suggest a lack of self-control or respect for the audience. While everyone lets a swear word slip occasionally, excessive profanity can overshadow your message and alienate those around you. People who conduct themselves with elegance understand the importance of articulate communication. They choose their words carefully, knowing the impression they leave behind. Moreover, using foul language can close doors to meaningful conversations and connections. It can make others hesitant to engage with you, fearing discomfort or offense. Instead, practice expanding your vocabulary and expressing your thoughts more creatively. This not only enriches your conversations but also reflects a higher level of intellect and respect for your audience. Mindful language choices are a hallmark of someone who values class. 5. They Don't Listen, They Talk When you're having a conversation, there's nothing more frustrating than being cut off mid-sentence. People who frequently interrupt others often reveal a lack of patience or respect for the person speaking. They appear more interested in asserting their own opinions than engaging in a genuine exchange. According to a study by Dr. Michael Kraus from Yale University, interruptions can also signify dominance and a power play in social interactions. Being mindful of your conversational habits can make a big difference in how you're perceived. It's not just about being polite; it's about showing that you value the other person's voice. When you interrupt, it can make people feel disregarded and unimportant. Instead, focus on listening actively and waiting for the right moment to contribute your thoughts. This demonstrates maturity and respect, qualities that are foundational to maintaining a sense of class. Remember, effective communication is a two-way street. 6. They Complain About Everything Everyone has bad days, but constantly airing grievances can wear thin on those around you. Chronic complainers often come across as negative and ungrateful, casting a shadow over even the most upbeat interactions. This behavior can suggest a lack of resilience and an inability to find the silver lining in situations. It's essential to strike a balance between expressing genuine concerns and indulging in a never-ending gripe session. Try to focus on solutions rather than dwelling on problems to exude a more positive and classy demeanor. Moreover, constant complaining can be contagious, spreading negativity like wildfire. It can pull the energy of a group down, making social gatherings less enjoyable for everyone involved. Instead, practice gratitude and shift your focus to positive aspects, no matter how small. This change in perspective not only improves your outlook but also positively influences those around you. A positive attitude is a mark of someone who handles themselves with grace. 7. They Overshare Personal Details In an age where sharing is often encouraged, knowing where to draw the line is vital. People who overshare can make others feel uncomfortable, as they divulge personal details better left private. This tendency can signal a lack of social awareness and boundaries, leaving a lasting impression for all the wrong reasons. According to psychologist Dr. Susan Krauss Whitbourne, oversharing can stem from a need for validation or a lack of self-awareness. Being discerning about what to share and with whom is crucial in maintaining a sense of class. It's not just about the content but the context and the timing. Oversharing in the wrong setting can make others awkward and hesitant to continue the conversation. It's essential to gauge your audience and the situation before diving into intimate details. Save deeper conversations for trusted friends or private settings, where people are more receptive. Discretion is a key component of sophistication and respect. 8. They're Chronically Late Time is a precious commodity, and chronic lateness can disrupt plans and demonstrate a lack of consideration for others. When you're always late, it sends a message that you prioritize your time over everyone else's. This behavior is not only frustrating but also disrespectful to those who have made an effort to be punctual. People who value class are mindful of their schedules and strive to be on time. It's about showing respect and appreciation for the people you're meeting. Being late occasionally is understandable, but habitual tardiness suggests poor time management. It can strain relationships and paint you as unreliable. To combat this, plan ahead and account for potential delays in your schedule. Being punctual shows that you value and respect the time of others, a key element of maintaining class. Remember, timeliness is a form of politeness that leaves a positive impression. 9. They Miss Social Cues Navigating social interactions requires a keen sense of awareness and the ability to read social cues. Ignoring these signals can lead to awkward encounters and suggest a lack of social finesse. When people miss cues, it can indicate a lack of self-awareness or an inability to empathize with others. Research by Dr. Simon Baron-Cohen, a professor at the University of Cambridge, indicates that understanding social cues is linked to empathy and emotional intelligence. Being attuned to the unspoken elements of conversation can enhance your interactions and project class. Recognizing social cues involves paying attention to body language, tone, and context. It's about knowing when to speak up and when to listen, maintaining a balanced and respectful dialogue. Ignoring these cues can lead to misunderstandings and discomfort for both you and others. By honing your ability to read these signals, you demonstrate a higher level of social intelligence. This skill allows you to navigate conversations gracefully and leave a positive impression. 10. They Talk Too Loudly In Public Volume control is essential, especially in public spaces where other people are present. Speaking loudly can be disruptive and draw unwanted attention, making everyone around you uncomfortable. It can come off as inconsiderate and lacking in self-awareness, traits that are far from classy. People who handle themselves with dignity understand the importance of adjusting their volume to suit the environment. It's about respecting shared spaces and those who occupy them. Moreover, speaking loudly can make it difficult for others to focus on their own activities, leading to frustration and annoyance, whether you're on a phone call or chatting with a friend. Maintaining a moderate volume shows consideration for others. It's about blending into the environment rather than overtaking it. Remember, being noticed for your poise and respect is far more admirable than being remembered for being loud. A lower volume often indicates a higher level of sophistication. 11. They Never Say Thank You Gratitude is a simple yet powerful way to show appreciation and respect. Failing to thank others for their efforts or kindness can suggest entitlement or a lack of awareness. Saying "thank you" acknowledges the value of someone's actions and fosters goodwill in relationships. People who embody class make gratitude a habit, understanding its importance in every interaction. It's a small gesture that can leave a lasting positive impression. Thanking others is not just about manners but about recognizing their contributions to your life. Whether through a verbal acknowledgment, a written note, or a simple text, expressing gratitude shows you don't take others' efforts for granted. This practice strengthens relationships and encourages a culture of kindness and appreciation. By making gratitude a regular part of your interactions, you demonstrate thoughtfulness and respect. These qualities are fundamental to maintaining a sense of class. 12. They Speak Ill Of Others Gossip and speaking ill of others can be detrimental, both to those involved and to your own reputation. This behavior suggests a lack of integrity and respect for the privacy and dignity of others. Engaging in negative talk can foster an environment of mistrust and hostility, turning people away. People who value class avoid these conversations, focusing instead on uplifting and positive interactions. They understand that building others up, rather than tearing them down, is a mark of character. Moreover, speaking ill of others often reflects poorly on the one doing the talking. It can create a negative perception and make others wary of confiding in you, fearing they'll become the next topic of conversation. To maintain a sense of class, steer clear of gossip and focus on constructive dialogues. By doing so, you foster an atmosphere of trust and respect, elements that enhance any relationship. Emphasizing positivity and integrity sets a strong foundation for classy conduct. 13. They Dismiss Others' Opinions In any discussion, respecting differing viewpoints is crucial. Being dismissive of others' opinions suggests arrogance and an unwillingness to engage in meaningful dialogue. This behavior can hinder constructive conversations and create a divide between you and those around you. People who embody class value diverse perspectives and approach discussions with an open mind. They listen actively and engage thoughtfully, even when disagreeing. Being dismissive not only shuts down conversation but can also alienate those who wish to share their views. Instead of disregarding differing opinions, invite discussion and seek to understand the reasoning behind them. This openness to diverse perspectives enriches conversations and demonstrates respect for others' experiences and insights. Keeping an open mind and valuing dialogue are key components of classy behavior. By embracing this approach, you foster a culture of respect and inclusivity. Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
CHRISTOPHER STEVENS reviews Fake Or Fortune? on BBC1: Was this £140 market find really a priceless painting by Churchill?
The question divided an empire. When pouring a cuppa, should you put the milk in first, or add it to the tea afterwards? George Orwell, writing in 1946 when tea was strictly rationed to two ounces a week (about enough for 30 teabags), was adamant. 'Pour tea into the cup first . . . One is liable to put in too much milk if one does it the other way round.' But Evelyn Waugh, in a letter nine years later to Nancy Mitford, took the opposite line: 'All nannies and many governesses, when pouring out tea, put the milk in first. (It is said by tea-fanciers to produce a richer mixture.)' Clearly, it's an issue of class. Orwell was the son of a petty official in the Indian civil service, and solidly lower-middle class. Waugh, an inveterate snob and social climber, yearned to be as upper-class as the Mitfords actually were. And what do you suppose Fiona Bruce is - a milk-in-first toff or an add-to-taste commoner? The answer was revealed as she wielded a teapot in the tea-rooms of Blenheim Palace on Fake Or Fortune?, at the beginning of an examination of an unsigned oil painting allegedly by Winston Churchill. Best excuse of the night: Tackling her driving test as the hilarious Mandy (BBC2) returned, Diane Morgan's devious, feckless character begged for leniency from the examiner. 'I'm perimenopausal and I've got ADHD,' she pleaded. That's a free pass for everything. Casually, she poured the tea into a porcelain cup with the milk already in it. Now we know. Sadly, we never did find out for sure about the Churchill. All the signs were that this picture, painted in the gardens of Herstmonceux castle in Sussex, was the real deal - one of Winston's earliest, from 1916, with his wife, Clementine, perched on a wall above a cascade of pink roses. But despite a wealth of corroborating evidence, no expert was willing to risk authenticating it without paperwork. And as the owner, an amateur enthusiast named Barry, had picked it up at an open-air market for £140, it lacked what Fake Or Fortune? fans have learned to call 'provenance'. This was glum news for Barry. A kosher Winston could fetch half a million quid. A questionable one is worth perhaps a fifth of that. Still, a tidy little profit on a punt at an art fayre. As always, the real interest in this show lay in the clues picked out by discerning eyes. Art dealer Philip Mould pointed out how dabs of blue were smeared onto the green mass of a tree in the background, giving the impression of sky shimmering through the leaves - a trick typical of the British Bulldog himself. A note on the back of the canvas also attributed it to Churchill. Handwriting expert Emma Bache compared this inscription to various letters and matched it to the pen of Colonel Claude Lowther, an MP who owned Herstmonceux a century ago. Conclusive, surely. With mealy-mouthed BBC prissiness, Philip pointed out that, 'in recent years, Winston Churchill has become a more divisive figure'. Why's that? Did he pour his tea in before the milk?
Forbes
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Unusual Language Of Class In Netflix's ‘Sirens'
Sirens. Julianne Moore in a goddess gown for Netflix's Sirens. Cr. Macall Polay/Netflix © 2025 MACALL POLAY/NETFLIX 'There have been a lot of movies and television series about the 1%, especially lately,' Caroline Duncan said to me. We were talking over Zoom about her work on a limited series released May 22 on Netflix, Sirens, which is an adaptation of Molly Smith Metzler's 2011 play, Elemeno Pea. 'There's obviously a big fascination with these communities. One thing that we were really trying to say and do with this show, in terms of the visual language about class, we wanted our show to feel almost more like a period show, like it was completely curated.' Given the breadth and quantity of existential crises currently ongoing in the real world, this show does feel period, which was unexpected, something this writer very much enjoys. How exactly does a person make current day apparel into a decadently costumed period piece without losing the audience? Duncan manages it admirably, her costumes create a sub-world of sorts, a place with a physics very different from what we are used to. 'If you saw this world through Devon's eyes, you would immediately understand why it felt like a cult,' Duncan told me. Devon (Meghann Fahy) is one of a trio of leading ladies as is her much younger sister Simone (Milly Alcock). But the center of this universe is Michaela (Julianne Moore), Kiki to a very privileged few. Though any glove Michaela might wear would be bespoke, the fist within would be something more capable than iron, something more pragmatic. Sirens. (L to R) Trevor Salter as Jordan, Glenn Howerton as Ethan, Milly Alcock as Simone, Meghann Fahy as Devon in episode 104 of Sirens. Cr. Macall Polay/Netflix © 2025 MACALL POLAY/NETFLIX 'It's beyond Stepford,' Duncan continued. 'When you look at the uber wealthy through the lens of a person who has no access to it and no reference for it, who isn't following fashion magazines and watching parties in the Hamptons, this would seem crazy. It would feel like everyone was wearing costumes all the time.' The opening of the series absolutely supports this mission, we are treated to Julianne Moore as some sort of forest mother goddess, resplendent in an ankle length gown which fits her whole vibe, regardless of the absurdity of the situation, assuming one could adapt a more objective point of view. This feels like the right moment to acknowledge a bit of bias on my part. I have always loved Julianne Moore, she has this quality of equipoise elegance that always reminds me of my mother. I mentioned this to Duncan. 'Julie is deserving of all of your love,' the designer replied with a smile. 'She's an incredible collaborator and human. It being the first breath of the show, I think the impact of that outfit had to really set the tone for the series in terms of the themes of the power of womanhood, the confines of femininity, the tension and the power struggle to sort of survive in the currency of feminism.' Sirens. Julianne Moore in episode 104 of Sirens. Cr. Macall Polay/Netflix © 2025 MACALL POLAY/NETFLIX All of that sounds a bit heavy, but I promise lovely reader, this show is a joy, it will make you laugh even as your sighing over another stunningly beautiful (and unfathomably expensive) expansive view of the family home where this story takes place. Yes, the themes here are complicated and they are not topics which have been discussed with much decorum in recent years. But that's one of the truly magical things about art, one of the reasons culture needs art so much: it lets us contemplate and consider from a reasonable (safe) distance. A topic's potential to cause discomfort is not a good argument for ignoring it. Especially when exploring all the jagged edges can be as delicious as it has been executed in Sirens. 'Very early on we all agreed creatively that because every person in this show, outside of Michaela and the staff to a degree, is in pastels, pastels are our neutral on the show,' Duncan told me. 'The binaries are black and white, and Michaela owns white. So Devon should be in black. Devon, who ultimately has confrontations and moments of tension with Michaela in the first episode, should burst like a storm cloud onto this island. In most places, black is very neutral, in most parts of the world, wearing black makes you almost invisible. But here it makes Devon stand out.' Sirens. Meghann Fahy as Devon in episode 101 of Sirens. Cr. Macall Polay/Netflix © 2025 MACALL POLAY/NETFLIX Stand out she does, like thrift store Hot Topic in a sea of Lilly Pulitzer, Devon couldn't blend in if she wanted to, and her arrested adolescence would never let Baby get stuck in some corner. 'You can almost smell her,' Duncan said, 'through the people that she is surrounded by, there's something kind of rotting about her wardrobe. That being said, we did trim and edge her camisole intentionally with the same green that is the Kell House green to give her this siren call, this early, early, early Easter egg of calling her to the island.' When you are telling stories on film, costumes are much more important than our culture seems to be willing to admit. And they do an awful lot of heavy lifting, as do the people who make, find, source and organize them. There are some things which cannot be given away in dialogue, that cannot come from exposition without risking suspension of disbelief, of losing the audience. Everyone is tired of being spoken down to. But costumes can silently fill in those gaps, and with an artisan like Duncan in charge, there was never a danger of a single detail slipping through the cracks. Without going into any details, this is a story about sisters trying to save each other, even when the other doesn't want it. Or maybe its about women trying to save each other, even when the other doesn't want it. Devon and Simone had a rough childhood, but the way they wear that trauma is as unique as the women they grew into. Michaela sees this, even when the sisters don't. Watching that on screen was one of my favorite parts of the show. There is so much which can be communicated in total silence. Sirens. (L to R) Meghann Fahy as Devon, Milly Alcock as Simone in episode 101 of Sirens. Cr. Macall Polay/Netflix © 2025 MACALL POLAY/NETFLIX 'We knew that we were going to see Simone as opposite Devon,' Duncan told me. 'I wanted Simone to feel like she was the brightest point of our color arc. Obviously, the world of the show is heavily imbued with pastels, but I would say Simone's costumes are more electric than pastel. Or, they're a pastel where the dial has been turned up way, way too loud. And partly that's to mimic her mania. But of course it's also to make Devon's reaction to seeing her feel really, really satisfying to the audience.' This is a show which has obviously dedicated much time and effort to what the audience will experience, it feels a bit like a play in that way, and whether intentional or not it is a lovely nod to the subject material. 'The design of this show is pulling away from naturalism and leaning into satire,' Duncan told me. 'In setting the tone and then allowing the Kells to feel like the most grounded in terms of their palette. I think it helps this world building feel like everyone is dressing for Michaela's gaze.' Everyone is absolutely dressing for Kiki, she is the center of the universe, the source of all things and to have her turn away is to try blooming in complete shade. 'In Michaela's rule book,' Duncan explained, 'Simone fits right in. However, she's not a part of this world yet. She's climbing the ladder because she's following the rules. I wanted her to stand out from the rest of the sycophantic pastel crowd, that 1%, but show that she clearly understands the rules of this world that she's engaging with. I also wanted her to feel very young.' When I was writing this interview, I knew I had to find the proper way to articulate my appreciation for the show's mini Greek Chorus, the invaluable and ineffable Cloe, Lisa and Astrid. If I was talking to you instead of writing, I would be sorely tempted here to pause for a moment of silence. Sirens. (L to R) Julianne Moore as Michaela, Kevin Bacon as Peter Kell in episode 105 of Sirens. Cr. Macall Polay/Netflix © 2025 MACALL POLAY/NETFLIX 'The most joyful process of this project was when we would be able to focus solely on them,' Duncan said with a little laugh, after I finished my fawning over her character design. 'They bring a lot of comedy, obviously, to this world. And everything I offered to Molly and Nikki and the other directors, it was always a 'Yes.' Like, go as far as you can possibly push it. So their clothing had to have the harmony of a Greek chorus. I imagined that these characters would phone each other, if they weren't already together, getting dressed before an event and be like, 'I'm going to wear the pink one, you wear the yellow one.'' From the moment the trio first appears they draw the eye across the screen. Given that this world is entirely curated by Kiki, we know that she has set this up on purpose. The machinations constantly brewing behind the scenes are as fascinating as they must be exhausting to live through. 'In the first episode, the outfits that they wear, two of them are wearing Zimmerman. And we could not find a companion piece in pink for Jen Lyo (Cloe) in a Zimmerman fabric that we loved. So we printed a fabric and built her that dress because the dresses that Astrid and Chloe were wearing felt so, so correct, that we just had to make a third to bring that into that world.' Sirens. (L to R) Glenn Howerton as Ethan, Milly Alcock as Simone, Meghann Fahy as Devon in episode 101 of Sirens. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2025 COURTESY OF NETFLIX Three has always been a number suspected to be powerful, it shows up in religions across the globe, it's in more folk and fairy tales than I could list. There is a sense of balance in the number three, and in both writing and costume this production makes deft use of our cultural associations. 'This show is a lot about triplicates. We have the three sirens, we have the three fates. And they allowed us to really lean into these uncanny Fellini moments in the scripts. When other moments had to feel more grounded, their satire was really mimicked in their clothing.' I asked Duncan about collaboration with actors. Please know, not every actor wants to participate in the planning part of costuning, some actor's processes mean they prefer to be dressed. Others feel like it is important to be involved in what their characters will wear. One way is not better than another. Another reason that art is important? It proves to us, or reminds us, that solutions are legion, that there is rarely a single 'right' way to make something. Sirens. (L to R) Bill Camp as Bruce, Meghann Fahy as Devon in episode 104 of Sirens. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2025 COURTESY OF NETFLIX 'Bill Camp who plays Bruce, he's truly a national treasure,' Duncan told me. 'He's not only one of the greatest actors of our time, but he is so probing and so thoughtful and so honest in his approach. He really is a storyteller and he wants to ask questions to understand and improve his performance. He's the most amazing kind of actor to collaborate with because he brings you ideas that come from a deep character study that only he has access to. He had done a lot of research on and had a close friend who also suffers from dementia and he gave me a lot of insights about how he thought his performance of Bruce was going to play out. When he comes to the Island he's completely out of his element, there has to be a bit of pride to his outfit, even though he doesn't have a fancy suit. He puts on his suit and he probably only has one suit. We talked about how maybe it's the suit that he wore to his wife's funeral. So I bought a suit that was about 20 years old. We aged and distressed it. I wanted it to feel ill fitting, either because it was an older style of a suit or because he's lost weight since his diagnosis.' These details, the consideration and the time, it's not stuff that an audience is necessarily going to consciously pick up on while binge watching a Netflix series. But we'd sure notice if they weren't there, human brains are funny like that, they way we run our eyes across something and move on if it's all as expected. The things which bother us, which break the spell and kill the magic, it's almost always something incongruent, out of place or nonsensical. I do not know how to properly articulate the amount of work that goes into making something seamlessly unnoticeable, blending in the way a million eyes will think it is supposed to. Sirens. Milly Alcock as Simone in episode 101 of Sirens. Cr. Macall Polay/Netflix © 2025 MACALL POLAY/NETFLIX I will not give away the details of any story, I won't even tell you how the pieces start falling into place. It's too much fun to experience it all for yourself. But I need to tell you that the ice blue dress Simone wears in the last episode? The one that made my heart flutter with all the breadcrumbs leading back to Grace Kelly? Caroline Duncan designed and made that dress. 'There were a lot of things that we wanted it to say,' the designer told me. 'One obviously was tying back to the beginning of the show and the mythological elements of it, because the last shot of Simone is her standing very similarly to Michaela, at a bluff's edge with the house behind her. It's this incredibly beautiful shot of her. She's stepping right in and her fist is going to be iron. I'm not really sure what's going to happen under her domain, but I can't imagine that her evolution is going to make her a different leader in this community.' Caroline Duncan's gorgeous dress for Milly Alcock as Simone in episode 105 of Sirens. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2025 COURTESY OF NETFLIX Sirens is available to stream now on Netflix.
The Guardian
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Enzo review – Laurent Cantet's swan song is a heartfelt tale of youth and desire
The directors fortnight sidebar of Cannes opens with a heartfelt, urgent drama about youth and desire – and destiny, sexuality and class. It is, effectively, the final movie of the late Laurent Cantet, who died last year. Cantet was working on the screenplay with his longtime collaborator and contemporary, Robin Campillo and it is Campillo who now directs – and brings to the movie his usual intelligence and clarity. It is a story of growing pains and not fitting in and the painful mystery of being young. Enzo is a 16-year-old kid from a privileged background, living in a gorgeous villa with a swimming pool; to the intense chagrin of his maths teacher dad and engineer mum he has decided he wants to quit school and work with his hands on a building site as an apprentice. Meanwhile Enzo's elder brother is poised for a prestigious university career. Enzo is embarrassingly mediocre at the job and clearly it is only his family's standing which prevents him from being fired. His father thinks this is a self-harming affectation which might seriously damage his future; he believes Enzo's talent at drawing means he should apply to art school – a far more acceptable middle-class career path. But of course this only makes stubborn Enzo more determined to tough it out at the building site where his incompetence baffles and annoys everyone. And Enzo is drawn to Vlad, a friendly young Ukrainian guy who is conflicted about not going back home to join the struggle against Russia. Enzo is fascinated by the sheer grownup importance of everything Vlad represents: Vlad has a sense of identity and a dramatic dilemma which is gratifyingly real in both its options: stay in France and do manual labour like a real man – or go home and fight? How much more heroic and magnificent is Vlad's existence, how much more real than silly, muddled, spoiled Enzo's dreary life choices? And Enzo's interest in Vlad is romantic in every other sense. Of course, there's something tragicomic and absurd about poor Enzo, absurd and humiliating in the way teenage yearning often is – and Enzo's dad's suspicion of self-harm turns out to be shrewder than he thought. Campillo and Cantet show us that the agonies of being young and existentially rebellious are not simply shallow and callow: they represent a state of idealism which is poignantly brief, like everything else about youth. It is another powerful, absorbing picture from Campillo and a fitting swan song for Laurent Cantet. Enzo screened at the Cannes film festival
