Three Colors: Red (1994)

A model discovers a retired judge is keen on invading people's privacy.

Director:

Krzysztof Kieslowski

Writers:

Krzysztof Kieslowski, Krzysztof Piesiewicz

Stars:

Irène Jacob, Jean-Louis Trintignant, Frédérique Feder

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 19 wins & 26 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Irène Jacob	...	Valentine
Jean-Louis Trintignant	...	Le juge
Frédérique Feder	...	Karin (as Frederique Feder)
Jean-Pierre Lorit	...	Auguste
Samuel Le Bihan	...	Le photographe (Photographer) (as Samuel Lebihan)
Marion Stalens	...	Le vétérinaire
Teco Celio	...	Le barman
Bernard Escalon	...	Le disquaire
Jean Schlegel	...	Le voisin
Elzbieta Jasinska	...	La femme
Paul Vermeulen	...	L'ami de Karin
Jean-Marie Daunas	...	Le gardien du théâtre
Roland Carey	...	Le trafiquant
Brigitte Raul
Leo Ramseyer

Storyline

Valentine is a young model living in Geneva. Because of a dog she ran over, she meets a retired judge who spies his neighbours' phone calls, not for money but to feed his cynicism. The film is the story of relationships between some human beings, Valentine and the judge, but also other people who may not be aware of the relationship they have with Valentine or/and the old judge. Redemption, forgiveness and compassion...

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Plot Keywords:

friendship | ex judge | eavesdropping | judge | model | 

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for a brief but strong sex scene

Did You Know?

Trivia

For this film, Krzysztof Kieslowski became the sixth person to receive a Best Director Oscar nomination for their last film, after Jerome Robbins (West Side Story (1961)), Joseph L. Mankiewicz (Sleuth (1972)), Ingmar Bergman (Fanny and Alexander (1982)), David Lean (A Passage to India (1984)), and Charles Crichton (A Fish Called Wanda (1988)). Of these six, Robbins is the only one to win.

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Goofs

Early in the movie, Auguste Bruner returns to his apartment from walking his dog, and his Jeep which is parked out front is parked one way. He goes upstairs, uses the phone and quickly returns downstairs to the Jeep which is now parked in the opposite direction.

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Quotes

Valentine: Excuse me... the door was open. I'm sorry, I think I ran over your dog. Rita. A German Shepherd.
The Judge: [Displaying little interest] It's possible. She disappeared yesterday.
Valentine: She's in my car. Alive. I don't know what to do.
Valentine: [after getting no response from the judge] Would you like me to take her to a vet?
The Judge: [Displaying little interest] As you wish.
Valentine: If I ran over your daughter, would you react the same way?
The Judge: [Displaying no emotion] I don't have a daughter, miss.
The Judge: [pauses, then turns to her] Go away... and don't close ...

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Connections

References Dekalog: Dekalog, dziewiec (1989)

User Reviews

Bring your brain

See Three Colors: Blue and Three Colors: White. They are both wonderful films and will give an added dimension to the finale Three Colors: Red. Red is a fantastic film. It can be enjoyed in a single viewing, and indeed, the climax of the film is very powerful in that first viewing. But, watch it again. Once you understand the use of symbolism and character parallels in this movie, you will see new things with each viewing. With the first viewing you understand that the film is the work of a brilliant mind. With each additional viewing, you find yourself discovering that it is, in fact, a work of genius. Red is meant to symbolize fraternity in the French flag. The story turns the theme of fraternity around to be viewed at angles one would never suspect. The facets of fraternity shared by the different characters is as deep as you care to peer. If you are used to the blatant "symbolism" in most mass films, you may find Red a bit slow. You may find yourself looking at a screen filled with intensity that you do not fathom... and yawning, wonder what all the excitement is about. This is not a mindless, vicarious experience. Everything is not explained to you. You must think as you watch. You must see... not simply look. Wonderful movie... one meant to be enjoyed by a wonderful moviegoer.

Details

Country:

Switzerland France Poland

Language:

French

Release Date:

23 November 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

Three Colors: Red

Filming Locations:

Rue des Sources, Geneva, Canton de Genève, Switzerland

Box Office

Gross USA:

$3,581,969

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$3,581,969

Company Credits

Production Co:

MK2 Productions, France 3 Cinéma, CAB Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1