Film Review: Kirk Jones' 'Plus fort que moi' Explores Tourette Syndrome Through Humor

Film critic Matteu Maestracci recommends two recent films: 'Plus fort que moi' by Kirk Jones and 'Yellow Letters' by Ilker Çatak. 'Plus fort que moi' is a biographical drama about John Davidson, a Scottish man who developed Gilles de la Tourette syndrome at age 14 in the 1980s, when the condition was poorly understood. The film depicts key moments from Davidson's life, including a real incident where he shouted obscenities at Queen Elizabeth II. Director Kirk Jones balances serious themes with lighter moments, aiming for a feel-good approach. Actor Robert Aramayo delivers a notable performance in the lead role. The film highlights that Tourette syndrome affects an estimated 1 to 10 in 1,000 children. 'Yellow Letters' by Ilker Çatak follows a Turkish intellectual couple, Aziz and Derya, who lose their jobs after supporting protesters and signing a petition. The director transposes the story from Turkey to Germany, with Berlin and Hamburg standing in for Ankara and Istanbul. The film critiques authoritarian regimes and examines relationships and art's political dimensions. Çatak previously directed the well-received 'La salle des profs' in 2023.