Heat of Desire (1981)
A French professor's chance encounter with a seductive stranger unravels his marriage, career, and conscience in this taut 1981 drama.
Heat of Desire - Movie Information
- Original Title: Plein sud
- Release Year: 1981
- Directed by: Luc Béraud
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Romance
- Runtime: 1h 26m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French, Spanish
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 29, 1981 (France - U)
- Production Companies: Cinéproduction, Gaumont, Films Dara
- Production Countries: France
Heat of Desire - Plot
In France in the near future, revolt and chaos erupt. A right-wing politician, Philippe Muphand, is set to take control when his lady friend Caroline walks out, announcing she will take up with the first fool she sees. The fool is Serge Laine, a professor and author of the prize-winning "Le voyage qui ne finit pas," headed to the train station for tickets to Barcelona where he and his wife will enjoy a second honeymoon and he will lecture at the university. Caroline seduces Serge, and he soon abandons wife, family, job, and honesty to embrace Caroline, the romanticism of Jack London, and murder.
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Heat of Desire - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Luc Béraud
Main Cast
- Patrick Dewaere
- Clio Goldsmith
- Jeanne Moreau
- Guy Marchand
- Pierre Dux
- José Luis López Vázquez
- Luis Andrés
- Roland Amstutz
- Béatrice Camurat
- Robert Rimbaud
Writers
- José María Cunillés
- Jean-Louis Comolli
- Jean-André Fieschi
- Luc Béraud
- Claude Miller
Producers
- Alain Poiré
- Lise Fayolle
- Giorgio Silvagni
Heat of Desire - FAQs
What is Heat of Desire about?
Heat of Desire follows Serge, a married French professor, who is seduced by the alluring Carol after a chance encounter. Swept up in obsession, he abandons his wife, career, and moral compass. Set against a backdrop of political unrest, the film is a searing portrait of desire, self-destruction, and the romanticism of reckless abandon.
Does Heat of Desire have a dark or tragic ending?
Yes, the film builds toward a dark conclusion. Serge's infatuation with Carol leads him down a path of deception and ultimately murder. Director Luc Béraud frames the descent as inevitable — a man who trades everything real for a fantasy, with devastating consequences that feel both shocking and earned.
Where can you stream Heat of Desire online?
Streaming availability for Heat of Desire varies by region and platform. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date options in your area, including rental and purchase links across major digital platforms.
What role does Jeanne Moreau play in the film?
Jeanne Moreau plays Hélène, adding considerable gravitas to the cast. Her presence in the film is a natural fit — Moreau had long been associated with French cinema's exploration of desire and female independence, and her role here deepens the film's emotional and thematic texture.
Who are the main actors in Heat of Desire?
The film stars Patrick Dewaere as the ill-fated professor Serge Lainé and Clio Goldsmith as the seductive Carol. Jeanne Moreau and Guy Marchand round out a strong supporting cast, making this one of the more compelling French ensemble films of the early 1980s.
Is Heat of Desire based on a true story?
Heat of Desire is not based on a true story. It's an original dramatic work, though its themes of infidelity, obsession, and social upheaval feel grounded in recognizable human experience. The screenplay was developed by a team of writers including Claude Miller and Jean-Louis Comolli.
What is the political backdrop of Heat of Desire?
The film is set in a near-future France gripped by political chaos, with a right-wing figure named Philippe Muphand poised to seize power. This backdrop isn't merely decorative — it mirrors Serge's own moral collapse, suggesting that personal and political corruption share the same root in unchecked desire.
Who directed Heat of Desire and what is the film's style?
Luc Béraud directed Heat of Desire, bringing a cool, observational style to the material. Cinematographer Bernard Lutic's visuals give the film a sun-drenched yet unsettling atmosphere, while Éric Demarsan's score underscores the creeping dread beneath the surface of Serge's romantic obsession.
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