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

Matthieu Lartigue: [Referring to a nasty political leaflet directed at Anne Charpin-Vasseur and her family] Well, your family's under attack.

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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

Family Tree and Secrets

After four years in USA, François Vasseur (Benoît Magimel) returns to France and his father Gérard Vasseur (Bernard Le Coq) welcomes him at the airport and brings François home. François meet with stepmother Anne Charpin-Vasseur (Nathalie Baye), his stepsister Michèle Charpin-Vasseur (Mélanie Doutey) and his Aunt Line (Suzanne Flon) that has prepared a lamprey for lunch.

The family has secrets: François and Michèle are in love with each other; Aunt Line is haunted by her past; and the womanizer Gérard, who has a laboratory and a pharmacy, hates that Anne is running for the election for Mayor.

When a leaflet exposes the despicable scandal of their family, Anne is afraid of how this will affect her electorate while Michèle and François believe that Gérard has written and distributed the pamphlet. After the election there is an unexpected death that will certainly affect the Charpin-Vasseur family.

"La Fleur du Mal", a.k.a. "The Flower of Evil", is a dark family drama about a family with many secrets, including an incestuous relationship and collaboration with the Nazis and a murder in World War II. The story is slowly developed with open conclusion, with another great direction of Claude Chabrol and magnificent performances, highlighting Suzanne Flon in the role of a very clever old woman. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): Not Available