Another
forgotten classic from the French New Wave, Cavalier’s first feature combines
noir stylings and a jazzy beat with a searing political subtext, undoubtedly
influenced by the war in Algeria.
The son of
a French industrialist, Clément is a right wing extremist who belongs to a
secret militant right wing organization that uses whatever means necessary,
including violence, to achieve its goals. His wife Anne, a former German
actress who gave up her career to be the doting wife, knows somewhat of his
extremist views, and suspects he would indeed kill if need be as witnessed by
what she finds hidden in their house. He often treats her poorly, especially
out in public as she maintains the façade of her former celebrity, which he
believes is her acting like a whore. Regardless, she is compelled to stay in
the marriage. After he and a right wing colleague assassinate a Communist
figure, that assassination which goes slightly awry, Clément and Anne hide out
in the country home of Clément's childhood friend, Paul, who knows nothing
about Clément's extremist views. Paul is a democrat and pacifist. Clément is
forced to leave to pursue a mission, leaving Anne behind. Without Clément, Anne
returns to her old life in the theater and into a relationship with Paul. But
Clément does return much to Paul and Anne's chagrin, he who will not give up
his wife without incident.
French
Institute Alliance Française. Tue 9 at 4, 7:30pm; free–$14.
Website: Fiaf.org
Director:
Alain Cavalier
Cast: Romy
Schneider
Jean-Louis
Trintignant
Henri Serre
Release
date: Friday June 12 2009
Duration:104
mins
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