Le Jeu

In an attempt to scrounge up some cash, Jacques, a retired, down-on-his-luck bouffon clown hosts a clowning lesson in a desolate community center. The only person to attend this lesson is Leo, an anxious and clearly troubled young man who hints at a past in show business. Jacques takes an interest in Leo and the two embark on a psychological quest to teach Leo the value of play, of le jeu. The film is structured around three lessons and one final performance, each demarcated by a different mask which Jacques makes Leo wear while performing. After each lesson, the audience is given a glimpse into Leo’s home life, which in turn gives insight into his past as a child actor.

This is a Yale Thesis Film directed by Luis Gonzalez. We will be shooting over the second week of Spring Break in New Haven. 

Looking for a production designer to join our crew!