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Grégoire
Jeancour (Fabrice Luchini), a former captain of French industry, has served
a prison term for an unspecified financial crime. This has been an embarrassment
for his brother, Louis (Vincent Lindon), a TV personality who runs a hard-hitting
current affairs program. One the day of his release from jail, Grégoire
returns to the spacious apartment in which he lives with his wife (Isabelle
Huppert) and children. But is he the same man?
The only person with whom he seems to be able to communicate with is the
lovely young Stephanie (Vahina Giocante), who works in the hairdressing
salon his wife frequents. Stephanie's boyfriend was also in prison and
released the same day as Gregoire, and an attraction develops.
This
film, from prolific director Benoit Jacquot (Sade, The School of Flesh)
is technically exquisite, with exceptional performances from the lead
actors, captivating music and a subject matter treated subtly, delicately
and deeply. Huppert and Luchini are, as always, faultless.
"It is as though Pas de scandale was suffused with
a secret beauty_ its tone is both melancholy and peaceful (the influence
of Benjamin Britten's music is evident here). By the end, it has exerted
a magical and penetrating power over the spectator." (Chronic'
Art - Yann Gonzalez).
2000 France (105 min.)
Directed by Benoît Jacquot
Writing Credits: Jerôme Beaujour, Benoit Jacquot
Cast: Fabrice Luchini, Isabelle Huppert, Vincent Lindon
Distributed by: Pathé.
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