A Brutal Game

Synopsis

Jean-Claude Brisseau (Secret Things, The Exterminating Angels, A L’Aventure) is an auteur often associated with films that are sexually provocative, risqué and controversial.

In this darkly fascinating tale, Professor Tessier (Bruno Cremer), a famous scientist, has an unruly adolescent daughter, Isabelle, who is paralysed from the waist down. From the outset we learn that Tessier is a killer, systematically murdering children who vandalised his lab. Tyrannical and extremely controlling of his daughter, Tessier is also an introverted figure that at times evokes pity. As he descends into a moral abyss his daughter Isabelle increasingly opens up to the world.

Avoiding serial-killer movie clichés, Brisseau has crafted a mesmerising character study, anchored by stunning performances from Emmanuelle Debever and Bruno Cremer. Brutal, passionate, obsessive and pertinent, A BRUTAL GAME (UN JEU BRUTAL) remains to this day one of the most powerful and shocking French films.

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Reviews

"as rough, shocking and mad as anything [Brisseau] made later. Cinema does not come much more provocative, challenging or incendiary than this"

THE LIST

"Unflinching and vicious, these films will stay with you forever"

BIZARRE

"complex, contemplative, and significant as one of French cinema's most memorable statements."

Film in Words

"this gritty, artistic film definitely pulled me in and by the end I was emotionally invested in its message and its characters. Well worth a watch."

CHRIS AND PHIL PRESENT