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These two films feature Octave Parango, a cynical, hedonistic character grappling with purpose, relationships, and professional challenges. Both films explore societal expectations and the pressure to conform, with Octave ultimately deciding whether to follow societal norms or forge his own path, despite risks and isolation. The conflict between rural and urban life is a recurring theme, with city life significantly influencing Octave's journey. Both films delve into personal redemption, showcasing Octave's journey of atonement and growth by confronting past mistakes. Octave's character represents the struggle between true self and societal expectations. The films question whether genuine connection and peace can be found within societal norms or through individual pursuits. Octave's journey highlights universal conflicts, societal norms, the allure of city life, and the path to personal growth and redemption.
Paris, France, 2001. Octave Parango, a young advertiser working at the Ross & Witchcraft advertising agency, lives a suicidal existence, ruled by cynicism, irresponsibility and debauchery. The obstacles he will encounter in developing a campaign for a new yogurt brand will force him to face the meaning of his work and the way he manages his relationship with those who orbit around his egotistic lifestyle.
Octave Parango, the former concept creator/editor of 99 francs has become a model scout in Moscow. This cynical hedonist leads a very pleasant life in the arms of young Russian models and in the private jets of his oligarch friends... until the day that he is contacted by The Ideal, the world's leading cosmetics firm, embroiled in a huge media scandal. Our antihero has seven days to find a new muse by traveling through the confines of post-Communist Russia, under the orders of Valentine Winfield, a hard and authoritarian visual director.