The read
It runs a compact 1h 20m.
Synopsis
Antoine is an accountant, uptight and withdrawn, married to Edith, who picks out his clothes and shoes. He's assigned to a fitness gymnasium for a month to straighten out their books. The owner, M. Roland, encourages Antoine to use the facilities, including the massages, so Antoine goes to Dominique, a muscular African. In these sessions, Antoine discovers that the pain is comforting, and Dominique finds the accountant ideal for his own sadism. When Dominique breaks Antoine's arm and then goes to the hospital to take Antoine away, Antoine confesses his fascination with and fear of death. With Dominique's help, the accountant breaks all earthly ties to confront his fear.
Ratings
IMDb6.7/10
9 audience votes
Key crew
- Claire DeversDirector
- Claire DeversWriter
Cast
- Francis FrappatAntoine
- Jacques MartialDominique
- Joséphine FressonEdith
- Marc BermanRoland
- Benoît RégentHotel worker
- Claire RigollierCast
- Catherine BelkhodjaCleaning lady
- Isaach de BankoléCast
Stills
Themes
masochismwoman director