L'Oeuvre au noir
1988 History / Drama   

 

Review
This sombre adaptation of Marguerite Yourcenar’s acclaimed literary work was directed by the acclaimed Belgian film-maker André Delvaux.  Visually, the film is impressive and it boasts an excellent cast, but for all its excellent production values it is a heavy and somewhat laboured affair.  Delvaux’s apparent obsession with mood and detail prevents him from creating a film that is coherent and engaging, although he does succeed in evoking something of the dark poetry and intimacy of Yourcenar’s novel.

© James Travers 1999

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  Director: André Delvaux
Starring: Gian Maria Volontè, Sami Frey, Jacques Lippe, Anna Karina, Philippe Léotard

Synopsis
In the 1500s, a Belgian doctor and alchemist, Zenon, has spent the last 20 years travelling across Europe.  His radical theories have earned him the reputation of a heretic and, fearing the Spanish Inquisition, he assumes a new identity when he returns to his native Brugge.  Unfortunately, his past soon catches up with him.

Credits
  • Director: André Delvaux
  • Script: André Delvaux, Marguerite Yourcenar (novel)
  • Photo: Charles Van Damme
  • Music: Frédéric Devreese
  • Cast: Gian Maria Volontè (Zénon), Sami Frey (Prieur des Cordeliers), Jacques Lippe (Myers), Anna Karina (Catherine), Philippe Léotard (Henri-Maximilien), Jean Bouise (Campanus), Marie-Christine Barrault (Hilzonde), Marie-France Pisier (Martha), Mathieu Carrière (Pierre de Hamaere), Pierre Dherte (Cyprien), Johan Leysen (Rombaut), Dora van der Groen (Greete), Senne Rouffaer (Le Cocq), Geert Desmet (Han)
  • Country: France / Belgium
  • Language: French
  • Runtime: 110 min
  • Aka: The Abyss



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