Synopsis
Le commun des mortels, which roughly translates to “average guy,” is the story of a life on the edge of the currents of history, which is how most of us live. It’s a life of resourcefulness, symbols, faith and sweat. How did Éverard Leblanc, an uncomplicated man, succeed in traversing an entire century? The narrator recounts his transition from various perspectives: French Canadian to Québécois, rural and traditional to modern and globalized, fervent Catholicism to empty churches, birth to death. There are pivotal points in Éverard’s life when he is tested by the march of progress, along with the vagaries of an ever-changing economy. Ultimately, we see two stories: the big one of a century gone by, and the small one of an average guy named Éverard.
A word from Tënk
Premiering at the 2017 edition of the festival, Le commun des mortels is a stunning portrait that only Carl Leblanc can produce. A great author and screenwriter, in this film he paints a portrait of 20th-century Quebec history through the life of his father, Éverard. "We are all Éverard Leblancs," says Lucien Bouchard in the documentary. The story of a simple man who, in the end, left his mark on our history and forged our society through change and upheaval. A documentary that thrilled festival-goers, who awarded it the Audience Prize. A native of the Gaspé Peninsula, Carl and the Festival have a long-standing relationship, and his films have always provoked lively discussion. The story of Éverard, the ordinary, loving builder, is rich and beautiful.
Maxime Boucher
Coordinator and Director of Programming
Festival Vues sur mer
