Not wanting to travel alone, Klouk brings along his good friend Philippe (Xavier Saint-Macary) to keep him company. Shortly after embarking on the road trip that will take them from Lille to the Cote d’Azur, they pick up hitchhiker Charles (Etienne Chicot) and his friend Daniel (Patrick Bouchitey). The unexpected relationship that develops between these four men drives the film. In time, the men reveal their inner demons, personal truths and tell lots of dirty jokes.
Despite differing social backgrounds, it’s evident that each man has some childish patterns that are hindering their attempts at successful adult lives. Klouk is described as happier as a single man, acting as a zombie now. Philippe has casual relationships, even showering in front of men for money. When we meet Charles, he’s hot tempered and attempting to blackmail his father-in-law, while Daniel is playing the victim, dealing with a recent break up. While Fill’er Up with Super doesn’t offer any definitive solutions for navigating adulthood as a man, watching the characters exchange possible solutions to the problems they face is heartfelt. Along the way, Klouk and friends have grown, realizing that showing vulnerability makes you no less masculine.
Each of the actors in the four lead roles create a unique character worth caring about. Apparently, the actors knew each other before production began. Director Alain Cavalier does ca great job of capturing their obvious camaraderie. Beautifully shot by Jean-François Robin (The Browning Version (1994)) it’s easy to feel like you’re on the journey with them. The production values are strong, while it’s unfortunate that Fill’er Up with Super has been largely forgotten over the years, thanks to Radiance Films, this little gem has been given a new lease on life.
Presented in the original 1.667.1 aspect ratio. This 1080p transfer has been given what the packaging touts as a new 2k restoration from the film’s original negative. The result is excellent picture quality with a strong level of detail throughout. Though natural outdoor lighting means detail can vary shot-to-shot on occasion. Colors look realistic throughout, all most never fading. Flesh tones look natural. There are no apparent compression artifacts or digital noise reduction in evidence.
The audio is well handled by a French LPCM 2.0 mix with optional subtitles provided in English only. No problems to note here, as dialogue seems strong and no distortion is in evidence. The subtitles are clean, clear and easy to read.
The following extras are available (all are subtitled in English, unless otherwise noted):
- Friends First and Foremost (HD, 27:38) An interview with actor Bernard Crombey, who discusses his history with the other three main actors, as well as how they were approached by Alain Cavalier, etc.
- My Wife Lives in Fear (HD, 4:30) A short documentary by Alain Cavalier featuring composer Etienne Chicot and actors Bernard Crombey and actor/co-writer Patrick Bouchitey.
- It’s a Full House (HD, 6:09) Another short documentary by Alain Cavalier starring Bernard Crombey.
- The King of the Bottle (HD, 8:33) A third short documentary by Alain Cavalier starring Patrick Bouchitey.
- Charlotte Garson (HD, 27:37) An analysis of the film by the Deputy Editor of Cahiers du Cinéma. In English.
- Booklet: Contains essays by Murielle Joudet and Évelyne Caron-Lowins, as well as an excerpt from a 2011 interview with Alain Cavalier, along with an assortment of stills, cast and crew information, and a page with transfer information and disc credits.
