La Captive (2000)

4K RESTORATION

“The jewel of a magnificent career, it is among Akerman’s finest, most perfectly realized and stylized films…the sly realization of every cineaste’s dream: to remake Vertigo (1958) and get away with it.” - Adrian Martin 

Updating Proust’s ‘La Prisonniére’ from Remembrance of Things Past to modern day Paris, Chantal Akerman follows a wealthy young writer and his obsession with a girl who lives with him in his enormous apartment. He won’t let her leave alone, and when she is alone, he secretly stalks her believing she is involved in a love affair with another woman. The complex nature of sexuality is once again tackled by Akerman in this beautifully photographed and designed film that questions relentless obsession, romantic love and desire between, and within, the sexes.

Introduced by Helen Grace at Ritz Cinemas and Philippa Hawker at Lido Cinemas.

“Possibly her best work since her widely acknowledged masterpiece Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles.” – James Travers 

“One of the finest literary adaptations ever made.” - Melissa Anderson, ArtForum 

“This film represents a perfect match of filmmaker and material. Akerman’s fondness for long, static takes and circular recurring dialogue perfectly suits the maddening repetitions that set the tone of Proust’s darkest work.” - Ken Fox 

Rating

Unclassified 15+

Duration

118 min

Language

French (English subtitles)

Cast

Stanislas Merhar, Sylvie Testud, Olivia Bonamy

Director

Chantal Akerman