Dir: Denis Côte | Canada 87’
Paul found a way out of depression and loneliness by the simple act of cleaning. Making something pleasing out of a mess was supremely satisfying and speaks volumes about our internet-driven world where even a simple online task can take all day – and then fail. This quite normal occurrence is so commonplace that we end up exhausted and frustrated on a regular basis with online activity: The cumulative failure results in negative thought patterns and can lead to depression and even mental illness. In this way we instantly connect with Paul and warm to his message of personal contact in delivering a service that is appreciated in more ways than the obvious.
Paul is certainly one the most relatable films in Canadian maverick Denis Côté’s repertoire and one of the most fascinating. Filmed from a candid, non-judgemental perspective, it’s is a portrait of an eccentric but endearing person who delivers a unique take on our sometimes-idiosyncratic quest for well-being. Cleaning Simp Paul is both charming and affable as the protagonist. His clients are mostly visible at waist level for obvious reasons as their confidentiality is clearly an issue.
As Paul cleans women’s houses it soon emerges he is also submissive and enjoys being dominated by them and even tied up and called ‘slave’ (he calls them mistress) but he doesn’t seem to lose weight he though he is actively engaging with them and sharing his thoughts and hopes for a film he is making. Some are pleasant others less so and even order him around which doesn’t seem to bother him and he tolerates all all sorts of strange commands and even physical abuse
All this seems to empower Paul and make him feel calm and able to eat healthily too. Control seems the be the issue. Once we have the power to control our lives wellbeing ensues. @MeredithTaylor
BERLINALE 2025