Le secret (2000)

Marie is a seemingly happy woman, married to François for twelve years, and with a two-year-old child, Paul. However, there is disagreement within the family, since François is keen to have... 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 is a seemingly happy woman, married to François for twelve years, and with a two-year-old child, Paul. However, there is disagreement within the family, since François is keen to have another child, but Marie is hesitant. During the course of Marie's job as an encyclopaedia saleswoman, she meets Tony, an African-American living in Paris at a friend's villa. Before long they are having an affair. Although horrified to an extent by her own behaviour, Marie makes little attempt to hide the fact from François.

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Plot Keywords:

adultery | interracial sex | unfaithful wife | sexual obsession | erotica | 

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

In reference to her nude and sex scenes, Anne Coesens said: "I was very afraid of doing the nude scenes. I discussed it with Virginie, I don't think you have to force an actor. What I am giving is because I had the desire to do so. So I asked Virginie to build the scenes like a choreography, everything was written down to the smallest detail. Everything was clear, precise. Obviously, if I concentrated on the rhythm, the movements, I could forget my modesty a little bit. If the scenes had been improvised, I wouldn't have done it. "

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Soundtracks

You Never Can Tell
by Chuck Berry
Performed by Chuck Berry

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.

Details

Official Sites:

diaphana

Country:

France

Language:

French English

Release Date:

February 2001 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Secret

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$166,721

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