This film is a French remake of the 1968 original film 'Charly' (starring Cliff Robertson and Claire Bloom); also the 2000 version of 'Flowers for Algernon' (Mathew Modine, and Kelli Williams), and several adaptations since... The title role is closely based on Daniel Keyes' moving novel "Flowers for Algernon."
Here, the Gregory Gadebois, the film's only actor depicts the life of an ordinary but simple man, Charlie, whose low IQ, of 68, prevents him from having more than a superficial understanding of other people. He works as a school caretaker, yet his work colleagues make him the butt of their jokes. Charlie is a warm well-meaning, individual lacking insight, and can barely read or write. Under the supervision of two surgeons Charlie undergoes innovative though speculative brain surgery based on the transformation of a research mouse 'Algernon'. If the treatment is successful, Charlie is informed, he will become super intelligent, his IQ will triple.
"I didn't know I had an IQ" Charlie exclaims!
The film moves slowly up to this point, then moves apace. True to their promise, post-surgery, Charlie's mind transforms gradually at first, then supremely fast. He reads the classics and sciences prolifically, learns languages, how to play a cello, and for the first time... to court a woman and form a first relationship with his counsellor. Life is rosy at last. Charlie becomes Charles, and is transformed. His knowledge of neuropathology surpasses that of the two surgeons - until they the day they tell him that the health of Algernon, the research mouse, is deteriorating.
It falls upon Charles to find a cure before potential disaster strikes. Is this possible? To find out you must watch this curious tale, deftly directed and co-written by Yves Angelo, along with writers Gerald Sibleyras, and Daniel Keyes the story's original author.
