My American Uncle (1980)

Professor Henri Laborit uses three people's stories to discuss behaviourist theories of survival, combat, rewards and punishment, and anxiety: René is a technical manager at a textile factory and must face the anxiety caused by corporate downsizing; Janine is a self-educated actress/stylist who learns that the wife of her lover is dying and must decide to let them reunite; and Jean is a controversial career-climbing writer/politician at a crossroads in life.

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance

What to watch after My American Uncle

• Last Year at Marienbad (1961) — Alain Resnais directed both
• The Return of Martin Guerre (1982)
• Vivre sa vie (1962) — Same feel: dramatic, philosophical
• Hiroshima Mon Amour (1959) — Alain Resnais directed both
• Pierrot le Fou (1965)
• The Man Who Loved Women (1977)