Un homme et son chien (2008)

An elderly gentleman and his dog find themselves out of a home with little means.

Director:

Francis Huster

Writers:

Francis Huster (adaptation), Murielle Magellan (dialogue script),

Stars:

Jean-Paul Belmondo, Michèle Bernier, Sarah Biasini

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jean-Paul Belmondo	...	Charles
Michèle Bernier	...	Femme tramway
Sarah Biasini	...	Jeune femme SPA
Sophie Bouilloux
Rachida Brakni	...	La conductrice
Nicole Calfan	...	Epouse homme hôpital
Valeria Cavalli
Dolores Chaplin	...	Femme soirée
Dorothée Deblaton
Patrick Bosso	...	Homme tramway
Natalia Dontcheva
Françoise Fabian	...	La femme d'Achab
Linda Hardy
Hafsia Herzi	...	Leïla
Elisa Huster

Storyline

An elderly gentleman and his dog find themselves out of a home with little means.

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Official Sites:

Océan Films [fr]

Country:

France Italy

Language:

French

Release Date:

14 January 2009 (France)

Also Known As:

A Man and His Dog

Filming Locations:

Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhône, France

Company Credits

Production Co:

F Comme Film, France 2 Cinéma, Fidela SAP

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film was savaged by many European critics on its release, who were particularly critical of Belmondo's decision to return to filmmaking after his stroke in 2001. Le Point headed their review What's Left of Belmondo?, Le Monde were critical of his problems speaking and Le Matin described it as "absolutely despicable... an undignified Calvary that inspires only one embarrassing feeling: pity." Former co-star Arielle Dombasle joined in the criticism, saying "Jean-Paul was always the strong adventurer, an athletic animal. He is not cerebral. People want to see their hero. To see him as an old man who loves his dog is ridiculous." The film went on to flop at the box-office.

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Connections

Remake of Umberto D. (1952)

User Reviews

Forget "Le Guignolo" and "Peur sur la Ville"

It's a very beautiful film I am going to talk about. Superb but so awful. I felt a real pain inside of me all along the picture.

Jean Paul Belmondo gives here a powerful performance. And keep in mind that he had a severe cerebral attack seven years ago. And that prevented him to act anymore. So it's a resurrection for him. And, with no doubt, the most outstanding character of his all carrier. Even if he has many difficulties to talk, because of this accident. He fought hard during those seven years to achieve this titanic work. A real "Tour de Force" for him.

When you have seen all his films during 40 years, and you watch this one, you are destroyed in the deep of yourself, wiped out, torn to pieces. But, I repeat, it's a so beautiful film, so poignant.

Belmondo plays here an old man who is rejected by his own kind. The human kind. He becomes then a homeless.

Awful.

His only remaining friend is a dog.

During the movie, you can see many french and international actors in cameo appearances. The one between Belmondo and Jean Dujardin - his real successor, his authentic heir in the profession - is absolutely unforgettable, it deserves to be graven in all memories. Because it is the face to face between two legends, two holy monsters of the french movie industry. One who is rising to the top, and one whose this film is probably the last stand. His swan song...

So sad. So painful.

Thanks, Mr Belmondo for all you have given to us.

Thanks.