La fleur du mal (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 Charpin-Vasseur
Benoît Magimel	...	François Vasseur
Suzanne Flon	...	Aunt Line
Bernard Le Coq	...	Gérard Vasseur
Mélanie Doutey	...	Michèle Charpin-Vasseur
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:

pamphlet | bordeaux | election | mayor | political thriller | 

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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

Gérard Vasseur: Why should they go to Pyla?
Anne Charpin-Vasseur: We can't talk about it all night! They took her car. Can you drop me off tomorrow?
Gérard Vasseur: At what time?
Anne Charpin-Vasseur: Before ten, if possible.
Gérard Vasseur: [Referring to Matthieu] Can't your "guardian angel" do it?
Anne Charpin-Vasseur: He's kind, but he's not my driver, after all.
Gérard Vasseur: No, he's not. I am!
Anne Charpin-Vasseur: [Smiling coyly] You're my husband.

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Connections

References Casablanca (1942)

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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

All in the family

Claude Chabrol must have been very uninspired when he decided to bring this boring number to the screen. It doesn't help that he and Caroline Eliacheff must have been speaking a different language. One wonders if they thought they had a movie out of the material they assembled together. This is at best a poor French soap opera with no sense of direction.

Better luck next time M. Chabrol.