In Class Act, an ambitious man from a working-class family goes on to become a household name in France. The series is now streaming on Netflix.
Story
Bernard Tapie comes from an ordinary working-class family, but he dares to dream about the things that other people around him do not. He wants to be rich and successful, and he believes he will make it happen.
Bernard decides to take a loan to become a singer. He releases an album, but it does not bring him fame and recognition. However, Bernard does not give up. He comes up with an idea for an electronics store and convinces a rich man to invest in it.
Bernard is married to Michelle, and they also have a daughter. As they are already in debt, Michelle starts doubting if her husband will ever succeed. Michelle’s worries and even the doubts of Bernard’s own father do not sway him.
Bernard is determined to make a name for himself, but it is not an easy feat when there are failures and challenges at every step. Will Bernard’s relentless pursuit of success help him become the man he wishes to be, or will it be his downfall?
Performances
Laurent Lafitte, as Bernard Tapie, is the star of the show. He does not just look like Tapie but also performs the part so well that he becomes one with the character. It is hard to distinguish the actor from the character.
Similarly, Joséphine Japy’s performance is also very convincing. She portrays Dominique as a smart and brave woman who is an essential part of Bernard’s life. The chemistry between Japy and Lafitte further helps them fit into their roles.
Apart from Japy and Lafitte, the other actors in minor roles, especially Antoine Reinartz and Camille Chamoux, do not disappoint either.
Positives
As the show is based on the life of Tapie, it depicts different shades of the character. He is neither completely flawed nor is he portrayed as a great man. His tragic flaw is very evident, but at the end of the day, he is just a man who wants a better life.
Tapie’s desire to be better than the man everyone thinks he is supposed to be is quite inspiring. He never truly gives up, even when he’s fighting a losing battle. Such a person makes for an interesting protagonist.
The show also comments on the class divide in French society. Through the protagonist’s story, it shows that a man can be very successful in life but even then he cannot cross the rigid boundaries that separate classes. It never stops being a sore point for Bernard.
Negatives
The show tells the story of Bernard Tapie’s rise and fall. For those who do not know Tapie, the show fails to make his story engaging at times. Perhaps if it had more scenes like the confrontation between Bernard and the prosecutor in the last episode, it would have been able to keep the audience interested throughout.
Furthermore, Bernard does not learn and grow much in the show. The audience watches him go through the same motions over and over again. The lack of character development can make the most interesting characters seem flat, and that happens in this show.
Verdict
Class Act is a show that will appeal more to the audience who know about Bernard Tapie’s life. Overall, it is a passable show that could have been better.
Class Act
Director: Tristan Séguéla
Date Created: 2023-09-13 11:42
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