With suave and feline images by the cinematographer William Lubtchansky, Rivette offers a virtual documentary on modern bourgeois solitude ...
Secret Defense
1998 · 2h 54m · N/A
Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Directed by
Jacques Rivette
Overview
After biologist Sylvie discovers her brother Paul trying to steal a gun from her lab, he explains that he wishes to avenge the death of their father whom he suspects died at the hands of his business partner.
Director and cast
- Jacques Rivette Director
- Sandrine Bonnaire as Sylvie
- Laure Marsac as Véronique / Ludivine
- Françoise Fabian as Geneviève
- Christine Vouilloz as Myriam
- Mark Saporta as Jules
- Sara Louis as Carole
- Hermine Karagheuz as L'infirmière
- Bernadette Giraud as Marthe
- Micheline Herzog as Sabine
- Patrick Le Bouar as Robert
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
The brooding intimations of Greek tragedy are part of what keeps this 170-minute thriller fascinating throughout.
As the glacially paced film inches forward with its halting conversations and accusatory glances, it tests your patience. And when the truth ultimately tumbles out and more violence erupts, don't expect a catharsis.
Hermetic and somewhat opaque, this perfectly symmetrical tragedy is not for every taste. For those willing to enter the Rivette zone, however, it's a chess puzzle devised by a grand master.
For all its mysteries, the movie thoroughly repudiates suspense.
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