Educational Media Reviews Online

Based on the play of the same name by Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de la Patellière, Le Prénom is a French comedy that highlights how complex relationships among family and friends can become even more complicated in the face of conflict. Spouses Elisabeth and Pierre are hosting a dinner party for Elisabeth’s brother, Vincent, his wife Anna, and Elisabeth’s longtime friend, Claude. While waiting for Anna to arrive, the others begin talking about the impending arrival of Vincent and Anna’s baby, whom Vincent says they are naming Adolphe. A heated discussion ensues, with the others arguing there is no way to separate the name Adolphe from Adolf Hitler. Even after Vincent reveals he is joking about the choice of name, everyone remains tense, and words said in the heat of the moment are not soon forgotten. No one is safe from the insults, and, before the night is done, Claude reveals his own secret to the group, causing yet another round of consternation for everyone.

Director Bernard Murat gets the most out of a tight-knit ensemble of actors who clearly relish the opportunity to play off one another; although the voiceover narration verges on cutesy at times, Murat mostly stays out of the way of the script, allowing the dialogue to remain front and center throughout the film. Subtitles are occasionally difficult to read, but this is a minor flaw. Le Prénom will appeal to both public and academic libraries, particularly for patrons interested in French films, philosophy, semantics, or ethics. Instructors might pair this film with documentaries such as The Grace Lee Project (2005), These Are My Names (2010), or The Sweetest Sound (2001) to spark discussions on identity, naming, and individuality.