Charles, Dead or Alive
Directed by Alain Tanner
A philosophical character study about a man rejecting inherited duty and family obligation to find authentic connection and meaning through simple living and intellectual companionship.
On the 100th anniversary of the founding of a watchmaking company in Geneva, Charles Dé the founder's 50-year-old grandson has had it: he speaks eccentrically to a reporter, recognizing his grandfather as a craftsman and his son as a businessman, but is evasive about himself. He gives his family the slip and moves in with a young couple he meets by chance, doing the cooking, reading, drinking, and engaging in philosophical discussions with them. The young couple comes to love Charles. In secret, he stays in touch with a daughter, and the rest of the family hires a private investigator to find him, setting in motion a business take-over that threatens his Bohemian happiness.
Essence
Ensemble
Like Charles, Dead or Alive
Nearest across the full emotional profile.
Same Mood as Charles, Dead or Alive
Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.
Like Charles, Dead or Alive, But Darker
Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.
Like Charles, Dead or Alive, But Lighter
Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.
Like Charles, Dead or Alive, But Less Popular
Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.
