Description:
Could the true story of the financial scandal that shook France to the brink of civil war in 1933 be more timely? Jean Paul Belmondo is perfectly cast as Serge Alexander (a.k.a. Stavisky), the one-time underworld con man who charms his way to the top of the French financial world with bluff, cunning, and a bankroll of phony vouchers. Screenwriter Jorge Semprún (Z) weaves Stavisky's story through the tapestry of European politics: the rise of fascism, the stain of anti-Semitism, the shadow of impending war. The aloof style of Alain Resnais (Last Year at Marienbad) is warmed by the smiling charisma of Belmondo and by Charles
Could the true story of the financial scandal that shook France to the brink of civil war in 1933 be more timely? Jean Paul Belmondo is perfectly cast as Serge Alexander (a.k.a. Stavisky), the one-time underworld con man who charms his way to the top of the French financial world with bluff, cunning, and a bankroll of phony vouchers. Screenwriter Jorge Semprún (Z) weaves Stavisky's story through the tapestry of European politics: the rise of fascism, the stain of anti-Semitism, the shadow of impending war. The aloof style of Alain Resnais (Last Year at Marienbad) is warmed by the smiling charisma of Belmondo and by Charles Boyer's poignant turn as a sentimental, nearly bankrupt Baron. Elegantly shot by the great Sacha Vierny and accompanied by a lush Stephen Sondheim score, this multi-faceted gem is one of Resnais's most satisfying and accessible films. --Sean Axmaker
International sensation Jean-Paul Belmondo (Breathless, Le Professionnel) turns on the charm as Serge Alexandre, known to the world as Stavisky. Working his way from small time cons to high society stings, this rascal ignites a scandal in 1930s France by saturating the country with phony vouchers, causing a whirlwind of governmental and economic destruction shortly before World War II. Groundbreaking director Alain Resnais (Last Year At Marienbad, Hiroshima Mon Amour) guides a dazzling cast headed by screen idol Charles Boyer through this timeless saga of deception, romance, and fallen grace, accompanied by a lyrical score from Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim.
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Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
Release date: 12 March 2002
Number of discs: 1
UPC: 014381066821
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