Chevalier

This clever satire by female filmmaker Athina Rachel Tsangari (the gender mention is significant given the nature of this movie) centers on what could be the world's most elaborate and absurd male-ego contest, short of an actual world war. Six wealthy Greek guys—largely acquaintances, although there are relatives in the mix—embark on a yacht cruise but quickly tire of the ordinary challenges of jet-skiing and spear-fishing. Looking for new ways to determine the best man among them, they hit on the idea of a general contest, in which everything they say, do, and are can be awarded points: sleep positions, skipping stones, breath-holding, dental hygiene, windsailing, Rubik's Cube speed, and—inevitably—penis size. The insanity of the challenge is great fodder for satire, but Tsangari also presents a portrait of masculinity that is likely to disquiet male viewers, serving up characters who range from soft, chubby uncertain types to men's men who are not entirely confident about their place and power in the world. The director exhibits a keen sense of the dynamics of a social gathering of men trapped over several days on a boat. Chevalier (the title refers to a signet ring to be awarded the contest winner) also boasts some lovely scenery off island coasts. Recommended. [Note: DVD extras include director Athina Rachel Tsangari's 2012 short “The Capsule” (37 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for this clever Gallic satire.] (T. Keogh)