Le Chat
1971 Drama   
Director: Pierre Granier-Deferre
Starring: Jean Gabin, Simone Signoret, Annie Cordy, Jacques Rispal, Nicole Desailly


 
Summary
After 25 years of married life, Julien and Clemence Bouin have ended up hating each other.  Living in a dilapidated house soon to be demolished, their lives are filled with bitterness and regret for the happy past both have lost.  When Julien adopts a stray cat and smothers it with affection, Clemence’s suppressed resentment turns to hatred…



Credits
  • Director: Pierre Granier-Deferre
  • Script: Pierre Granier-Deferre, Pascal Jardin, Georges Simenon (novel)
  • Photo: Walter Wottitz
  • Music: Philippe Sarde
  • Cast: Jean Gabin (Julien Bouin), Simone Signoret (Clémence Bouin), Annie Cordy (Nelly), Jacques Rispal (Le docteur), Nicole Desailly (L’infirmière), Harry-Max (Le retraité), André Rouyer (Le délégué), Carlo Nell (L’agent immobilier), Yves Barsacq (L’architecte), Florence Haguenauer (Germaine)
  • Country: France
  • Language: French
  • Runtime: 86 min
  • Aka: The Cat



More French Drama

 

Review
This poignant film portrays the remnants of a long dead relationship visibly disintegrating alongside the debris of a faded, long past society.  One of the most brutal films about married life ever made in France, this is a deeply disturbing film, laden with a pall of pessimism which is only briefly lifted in the final moments of the film.

Although visually quite powerful, the film is weighed down by its relentless use of symbolism and unnecessary artistry (such as a needlessly complicated narrative structure).   However, captivating performances from Jean Gabin and Simone Signoret (two once great actors nearing the end of their careers) make up for these faults and lend the film a tragic poignancy without which the film would probably have had little significance.

© James Travers 2001



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