Le secret (2000)

Marie (Anne Coesens), who works as a successful door-to-door encyclopedia salesperson, has been married to her husband Francois (Michel Bompoil) for 12 years and has a two-year-old son. ... See full summary »

Director:

Virginie Wagon

Writers:

Virginie Wagon, Erick Zonca

Stars:

Anne Coesens, Michel Bompoil, Tony Todd

2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Anne Coesens	...	Marie
Michel Bompoil	...	François
Tony Todd	...	Bill
Quentin Rossi	...	Paul
Jacqueline Jehanneuf	...	La mère de Marie
Aladin Reibel	...	Rémy
Valérie Vogt	...	Séverine
Frédéric Sauzay	...	Luc
Natalya Ermilova	...	Ana
Charlotte Pradon	...	Mélanie
Jeanne Cellard	...	La 1ère cliente
Yanitz Grunhard	...	Le formateur
Chantal Lambrechts	...	La collègue de Marie
Christian Bobet	...	Le patron
Paul Ielkin	...	Le fils saucisse

Storyline

Marie (Anne Coesens), who works as a successful door-to-door encyclopedia salesperson, has been married to her husband Francois (Michel Bompoil) for 12 years and has a two-year-old son. Though she is relatively content with her life, she feels something is wanting. Enter 50-year old African-American Bill (Tony Todd of Candyman fame). Initially she is annoyed by his insouciance, but she finds that she is irresistibly attracted to him. Soon the two are in the midst of sordid illicit affair. She knows little about her new lover, and he seems uninterested in learning about her, but the long sessions of lovemaking are something else entirely. Feeling out of control, Marie is increasingly repelled by her own actions. Psychologically, she struggles to reconcile her torrid encounters with Bill and mundane domestic chores such as bathing her son. Moreover, she finds herself incapable of hiding her adulterous behavior, rather she comes home with scratches and hickeys all over her body, to the ...

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Plot Keywords:

adultery | pillow talk | interracial sex | unfaithful wife | sexual obsession | 

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Official Sites:

diaphana

Country:

France

Language:

French English

Release Date:

February 2001 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Secret

Company Credits

Production Co:

Les Productions Bagheera, Diaphana Films, France 3 Cinéma

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min 96 min (edited)

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

Holes
Performed by Mercury Rev

User Reviews

.. better than many of its kind.. but..

Whatever the reason, once you enter into a 'secret' affair you've really broken the relationship, and from all the signs this woman is evidencing, contrary to her declarations of 'love,' she truly wants out of the stifling situation with her husband and child. Proclaiming to 'love' him, but then deliberately and cruelly humiliating him time and again, paints her in a very despicable manner. She says it's necessary for her to choose herself or him, and like all adulterers, she selfishly chooses 'me.' It would be nice to see the sequel, if she were to reach the much needed psychiatrist's couch, and if it could help save her, for she is now doomed for a breakdown with the 'path' she has presently chosen. It's completely delusional, no one would survive for long the current choices she is making. It's a troubling storyline (with an ending that is confusing and senseless), and the acting overall is good. A lot rests on her shoulders, and outside of a misstep or two, she does fairly good work. It would have been nice with more explanation as to why, and a bit more dialogue, but that was not the creators intention. It definitely benefits from additional viewing.