The Flower of Evil (2003)

Three generations of a wealthy Bordeaux family are caught in the crossfire when Anne decides to run for mayor, thanks to a political pamphlet that revives an old murder scandal.

Director:

Claude Chabrol

Writers:

Caroline Eliacheff (original scenario), Louise L. Lambrichs (original scenario)

Stars:

Nathalie Baye, Benoît Magimel, Suzanne Flon

2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Nathalie Baye	...	Anne / Wife
Benoît Magimel	...	François / Gerard's son
Suzanne Flon	...	Aunt Line
Bernard Le Coq	...	Gérard / Husband
Mélanie Doutey	...	Michèle / Anne's daughter
Thomas Chabrol	...	Matthieu Lartigue
Henri Attal	...	Fanny's Father-in-law
Kevin Ahyi	...	First Kid
Françoise Bertin	...	Thérèse
Jérôme Bertin	...	Volunteer
Caroline Baehr	...	Fanny
Didier Bénureau	...	Brissot
Yvon Crenn	...	Yves Pouët
Michèle Dascain	...	Marthe
Jean-Marc Druet	...	Lab Assistant

Storyline

Anne runs for re-election to the town council, shepherded by Matthieu, her fellow candidate and campaign manager. Her husband, Gérard, a businessman and philanderer, hates the campaign and feels vindication when a nasty leaflet circulates about their family history. His son, François, just back from the U.S., is in love with his step-sister Michèle, and she with him, although something is amiss besides their being cousins. Watching it all is their elderly Aunt Line, who has her own haunting memories. A death in World War II and a death on election night collapse time in the perpetual present and bring unexpected expiation. There's a lot to celebrate.

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Plot Keywords:

stepbrother stepsister incest | stepbrother stepsister sex | sex with stepbrother | sex with stepsister | pamphlet | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for brief language

Details

Country:

France

Language:

French

Release Date:

19 February 2003 (France)

Also Known As:

Die Blume des Bösen

Filming Locations:

Aéroport de Bordeaux, Mérignac, Gironde, France

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$2,318,441 (France), 21 February 2003

Opening Weekend USA:

$12,419, 12 October 2003, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$181,798, 11 January 2004

Company Credits

Production Co:

MK2 Productions, France 3 Cinéma, Canal+

Technical Specs

Runtime:

104 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Aunt Line: [Observing that Marthe is washing the dishes by hand] Why don't you use the dishwasher, Marthe?
Marthe: I work faster than it does. I never asked for it.
Aunt Line: Try to move with the times.
Marthe: Progress isn't all good.

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Connections

Features Full Moon (1998)

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Soundtracks

Un souvenir
Performed by Damia
Production CHANSOPHONE - RYM MUSIC
Lyrics by Oreste Rossi
Music by Fernand Capitani
© 1942 EDITIONS PAUL BEUSCHER

User Reviews

Who Poisoned Ivy?

Classical Greek students after a modern take on The House of Atreus need look no further than Chabrol's latest. As ever there is elegance and style to spare and it's really great to know that actresses as old as Suzanne Flon (who scored again this year in Effroyables Jardins) can still not only get meaty roles but also deliver. Unlike other commenters the charm, sex appeal and, most of all, acting ability of Benoit Magimal is lost on me but I would walk a mile for a Nathalie Baye performance and she does not disappoint here. I note that other comments touch on the Frenchness on display but if you choose to see a French film why expect Sauerkraut and halva. Not Chabrol's finest but still out of the right bottle.