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Happy He Who Like Ulysses

Happy He Who Like Ulysses

1970

Director

Henri Colpi

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

Synopsis

For 25 years now, under the Provence sun, Antonin, a farmhand, has shared his work and everyday life with a horse named Ulysse. What a shock when Pascal, the farmer, tells him he has decided to sell Ulysse to a picador for being too old. Not only will he be separated from his faithful companion, but he is well aware too that the arenas of Arles mean death for Ulysse. Being unable to stand such injustice, Antonin runs away from the farm in the company of Ulysse. Together, they go through the Lubéron, the Baux de Provence, the Alpilles, the Crau and the Vaccarès. Yet, their journey is no pleasure cruise, specially when it comes to crossing National Road 7. After a visit to Marcellin, an old friend of his, Antonin sets off again with Ulysse, this time towards the Rhône River.

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Diversity & Representation

Overall Score

3.2/10

Limited

Category Breakdown

LGBTQ+ Representation

Minimal

The film centers on the bond between a man and his horse. There are no depictions of non-cisnormative identities or narratives addressing heteronormativity.

Gender Representation

Fair

The story follows a traditional framework driven by the male protagonist. It does not actively seek to subvert gender hierarchies or deconstruct traditional masculinity.

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Limited

Set in rural 1970s Provence, the cast and setting appear largely homogeneous. The film reflects the specific demographic reality of its geographic and temporal context.

Religious & Cultural Diversity

Fair

The narrative offers a subtle critique of capitalism by rejecting the commodification of living beings. It explores humanistic themes of companionship and survival.

Disability Representation

Minimal

There are no documented instances of characters with visible or invisible disabilities. No such characters are used as narrative devices.

Strengths

  • Offers a nuanced, humanist critique of authority and the commodification of living creatures.
  • Provides a contemplative, atmospheric exploration of the emotional bond between man and animal.

Areas for Improvement

  • Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisnormative narratives.
  • Maintains a homogeneous cast that reflects limited racial and ethnic diversity.
  • Does not feature characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

AI Analysis

The film is a poetic, character-driven study of companionship and individual morality. It prioritizes an emotional journey between Antonin and Ulysse over the exploration of intersectional identities or systemic social critiques. While the story challenges the concept of property and ownership, it does so through a personal lens rather than through identity politics. The film remains a traditional piece of European cinema that reflects the social homogeneity of its setting.

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