Les Possédés (1988)
Directed by Andrzej Wajda

History / Drama

Film Review

Abstract picture representing Les Possedes (1988)
With his film version of Dostoyevsky's novel The Possessed (a.k.a. The Devils ), leading Polish director Andrzej Wajda attempted what was possibly the biggest challenge of his career - and this for the man who had previously brought us the epic French revolutionary drama Danton (1983). The power of Dostoyevsky's work resides in its literary form, perhaps more so than any author, and such writing does not translate easily to film, a fact to which several well-intended film adaptations amply testify (consider Richard Brooks' The Brothers Karamazov (1958)). In a bold project, which took a decade to realise, Wajda sought to capture the essence of the source novel without getting overwhelmed by its mass of detail and heavily intellectualised politics.  The result is in parts impressive but by no means wholly successful.

Although Wajda manages to capture - quite brilliantly - the sense of hysteria and self-deception which is so evident in Dostoyevsky's writing, he is less successful in weaving a coherent narrative with credible characters.  Stylistically, the film merits the considerable praise - it is beautifully filmed and laden with atmosphere. Yet the whole thing lacks humanity - surely one of the most apparent, most essential ingredients in Dostoyevsky's work.  Whether it was the result of having a mixed French/Polish cast or just the impossibility of breathing life into Dostoyevsky's inordinately complex creations, the characters in this film appear to be mere caricatures or abstract personifications of flawed ideals, not real living beings.  Consequently, it is scarcely surprising that the film fails to engage its audience, even with such an impressive cast (which includes Omar Sharif and Isabelle Huppert).  Nevertheless, whilst the end result is imperfect, Les Possédés is an intriguing film with some powerful messages.  At the very least, Andrzej Wajda should be commended for the vision and tenacity he displayed in adapting one of the most challenging works in Russian literature.
© James Travers 2003
The above content is owned by frenchfilms.org and must not be copied.

Film Synopsis

In 1870, a group of young Russian revolutionaries are planning to overturn the established order and rebuild their country anew.  One of the group, Sjatov, is awaiting the return of an aristocrat, Nicolas Stavroguine, who will takes his place as leader.  By the time Stavroguine arrives, the group have grown suspicious of Sjatov's loyalty and decide that he must die.
© James Travers
The above content is owned by frenchfilms.org and must not be copied.


Film Credits

  • Director: Andrzej Wajda
  • Script: Jean-Claude Carrière, Andrzej Wajda, Agnieszka Holland, Edward Zebrowski, Fyodor Dostoevsky (novel)
  • Cinematographer: Witold Adamek
  • Music: Zygmunt Konieczny
  • Cast: Isabelle Huppert (Maria Sjatov), Jutta Lampe (Maria Lebjadkin), Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu (Lisa), Bernard Blier (Le gouverneur), Jean-Philippe Écoffey (Peter Verchovenskij), Laurent Malet (Kirillov), Jerzy Radziwilowicz (Sjatov), Omar Sharif (Stepan), Lambert Wilson (Nikolaj Stavrogin), Philippe Chambon (Chigalev), Jean-Quentin Châtelain (Virguinski), Rémi Martin (Erkel), Serge Spira (Fedka), Wladimir Yordanoff (Lebjadkin), Zbigniew Zamachowski (Liamchine), Piotr Machalica (Maurice), Bozena Dykiel (Virginska), Bogusz Bilewski (Chef de la Police), Stanislaw Górka (Activiste), Ryszard Jablonski (Ouvrier)
  • Country: France
  • Language: French
  • Support: Color
  • Runtime: 116 min

The best of British film comedies
sb-img-15
British cinema excels in comedy, from the genius of Will Hay to the camp lunacy of the Carry Ons.
The best of American film noir
sb-img-9
In the 1940s, the shadowy, skewed visual style of 1920s German expressionism was taken up by directors of American thrillers and psychological dramas, creating that distinctive film noir look.
The best French films of 2018
sb-img-27
Our round-up of the best French films released in 2018.
The very best period film dramas
sb-img-20
Is there any period of history that has not been vividly brought back to life by cinema? Historical movies offer the ultimate in escapism.
The Carry On films, from the heyday of British film comedy
sb-img-17
Looking for a deeper insight into the most popular series of British film comedies? Visit our page and we'll give you one.
 

Other things to look at


Copyright © frenchfilms.org 1998-2024
All rights reserved



All content on this page is protected by copyright