Le Radeau de la Méduse (1998)
Directed by Iradj Azimi

Film Synopsis

Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo in 1815 resulted not only in the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy but a warming of relations between France and England.  In this spirit of entente cordiale, Senegal is returned to French ownership, and to take over this colony a new governor, Colonel Julien-Désiré Schmaltz, is sent there with a contingent of soldiers on board the frigate La Méduse.  But, owing to the incompetence of its captain, Viscount de Chaumareys, and the poor morale of his crew, the vessel runs aground on the Bank of Arguin off the coast of Mauritania.  This will become a significant date in French maritime history - 2nd July 1816.  There are only six lifeboats aboard the stricken ship - barely enough to accommodate the families of the captain and the governor.

In a desperate attempt to save the ship's other passengers and crew, the resourceful Lieutenant Coudein hastily organises the construction of a large raft from the masts and crossbeams.  The raft is large enough and sturdy enough to carry 150 people, but far from being saved these unfortunates have the most nightmarish ordeal ahead of them.  Caught in a fierce storm, many are swept into the sea and drown.  Those who survive this onslaught become drunk and turn on the officers who are fighting a losing battle to maintain order.  Those who become injured or ill are merely tossed into the sea.  When supplies run low, the ones that remain are driven to cannibalism.  Immortalised on a canvas by Théodore Géricault, the raft of the Medusa is the most potent symbol of Man's inability to tame the wild forces of nature - those at sea and those within himself...