Pablo Agüero’s Saint-Exupéry is now available to international audiences, offering an adventurous take on the life of the famed writer. Rather than a conventional biographical film, this is a story of friendship and risk, set in the 1930s in South America.
What Is Saint-Exupéry About?
The film follows the work of writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, portrayed by French cinema star Louis Garrel, and his friend Henri Guillaumet, played by Vincent Cassel, as they navigate the challenges of Aéropostale, the pioneering airmail company.
Set in an era when railway transport was becoming increasingly efficient and safe for mail delivery, Antoine and Henri choose to risk their lives flying over the Cordillera — the massive Andean mountain range — to ensure faster postal service. Guillaumet, obsessed with optimizing the route, devises a daring plan to fly above the peaks at over 6,000 meters. However, the risk is enormous — at such altitudes, an engine failure could mean inevitable disaster.
Against his superiors’ orders, Henri embarks on the dangerous flight and disappears. His wife, Noëlle (Diane Kruger), who works in air traffic control, believes he is still alive. Together with Antoine, she sets out to find him, uncovering unexpected aspects of Henri’s character along the way. The film also subtly suggests that these events may have inspired Saint-Exupéry’s iconic The Little Prince.
Who Will Enjoy Saint-Exupéry?
This film will undoubtedly captivate fans of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s work, offering a perspective on the writer not only as the author of The Little Prince but also as a daring aviator who risked his life for his mission.
It will also appeal to lovers of adventure dramas set in exotic locations. Viewers who appreciate stunning landscapes and the atmospheric setting of the 1930s will find the film visually compelling.
What Makes Saint-Exupéry Unique?
Saint-Exupéry is not a typical biopic. Instead of presenting a comprehensive life story, it focuses on a specific period of the writer’s life. The filmmakers do not aim for strict historical accuracy but rather idealize his image, giving the film a dreamlike quality. It feels like a fairy tale woven from real events.
When Was the Last Time a Film Like This Was Made?
In recent years, films about the lives of writers and poets have been relatively rare on the international market. Saint-Exupéry stands out among biopics for its unconventional approach to portraying its protagonist. It revives the long-lost genre of adventure dramas, where heroism and friendship take center stage.
