The Ax (Le Couperet)

A laid-off worker devises a novel approach to finding a new job—by physically “eliminating” any fellow applicants—in this new comedy from 72 year old, veteran director Costa-Gavras. Based on a novel by US author Donald E. Westlake, The Ax puts outsourcing, downsizing and other 21st-century business trends where they belong: on the chopping block.

When we first meet the Bruno, he appears to be a not-so-polished international assassin, but we realize that murder is merely a stepping stone to a less (or more) ruthless dream: to rejoin corporate life. When a prime job at a paper factory opens up, Bruno gathers the names of potential candidates and starts “downsizing.” Still a loving family man, Bruno juggles dinner with his kids, couples counseling with his wife and body disposal.