Perhaps the most wondrously off-field and watchable film in Pierre Granier-Deferre's varied
directorial filmography is this bizarre mix of psychological thriller and black comedy.
Granier-Deferre's restrained direction serves the film well and allows his lead actors
- Lino Ventura and Ingrid Thulin - to deliver a stunning performance. An excellent
script and a particularly noteworthy contribution from Ventura prevents what is effectively
a two-handed stage piece from becoming static or boring. Thulin manages to be both
chilling and sympathetic as the somewhat deranged ex-wife - Norman Bates, but with a far
better hair stylist. Despite all this, the film is not without its faults.
The potential for black comedy isn't utilised as effectively as it could have been, but,
more crucially, the film is marred by a misjudged comedy ending.
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Film Synopsis
Julien, a successful property developer, gets more than he bargained for
when he accepts an invitation to dinner with his ex-wife Hélène
at her detached residence in the suburbs of Paris. The couple haven't
seen each other for years but even so Julien is surprised by the icy coldness
of the reception he receives. The next thing he knows he is falling
through a trapdoor... When he comes to his senses, the unfortunate
man finds himself caged in a tiny room, equipped with everything he needs
to keep him comfortable. Despite his appeals and protests he knows
that Hélène has absolutely no intention of letting him go.
The sad woman has probably been planning this act of revenge for years, and
Julien knows that by showing anger and distress he is merely feeding her
morbid satisfaction. In fact, it is not hatred but an obsessive love
that has brought Hélène to this - to imprison the one man she
lost her heart to and who repaid her love by abandoning her. She could
keep him here forever, safe in the knowledge that no one else can take him
from her. But as Julien continues to rail against her it is obvious
that he no longer has any feelings for her. Seeing now that her love
is dead Hélène decides that the kindest thing is to put her
former husband out of his misery, by asphyxiating him. At least it
will be a painless death...
Script: Pierre Granier-Deferre (dialogue),
Jack Jacquine (story),
Pascal Jardin (dialogue)
Cinematographer: Walter Wottitz
Music: Philippe Sarde
Cast:Lino Ventura (Julien),
Ingrid Thulin (Hélène),
William Sabatier (L'ami),
Jean Turlier (Fat man),
Dominique Zardi (Postman),
Sophie Sam
Country: France
Language: French
Support: Color
Runtime: 100 min
Aka:The Cage
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