Heiners Filmseiten – Private Lessons (en)

Private Lessons (Élève libre)

German title: Privatunterricht
Greek title: Ιδιαίτερα μαθήματα
Russian title: Частные уроки
Original title: Élève libre

Alternative titles:
Free Student | Eleve libre | Idiaitera mathimata | Ιδιαιτερα μαθηματα

Drama – France, Belgium
Production year: 2007
Movie length: 105 minutes

Director: Joachim Lafosse
Writer: Joachim Lafosse, François Pirot
Cinematograph: Hichame Alaouié

Movie description:

A sixteen year old aspiring tennis pro neglects his education in hopes of volleying his way straight to Wimbledon, but finds his ambitions sidelined when his relationship with his tutor takes a decidedly personal turn. Jonas has just failed his exams, but who needs an education when you’re a world famous athlete. Unfortunately Jonas hasn’t achieved that level of fame just yet, though he’s convinced that he’s well on his way. When thirty year old Pierre offers to tutor Jonas and the cocky young athlete turns his back on school entirely, the boundaries of their relationship become increasingly blurred.

Sixteen-year-old Jonas fails his exams again but is convinced he can devote himself professionally to tennis as a back-up plan. He then proceeds to fail the national competition. Soon after, he meets 30-year-old Pierre, who is moved by his situation and who wants to help him. Incapable of setting the boundaries for their relationship, Pierre’s tutoring takes a turn that is more than merely academic.

Boy Actors