The Bastard (1983)
A young man's act of revenge sets him adrift across France in this raw, character-driven drama from director Bertrand Van Effenterre.
The Bastard - Movie Information
- Original Title: Le bâtard
- Release Year: 1983
- Directed by: Bertrand Van Effenterre
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 15, 1983 (France)
- Production Companies: Mallia Films, France 3
- Production Countries: France
The Bastard - Plot
The erratic life of Patrice who, after having murdered the pimp of his mother to avenge the death of her, goes from town to town.
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The Bastard - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Bertrand Van Effenterre
Main Cast
- Gérard Klein
- Brigitte Fossey
- Julie Jézéquel
- Mylène Demongeot
- Victoria Abril
- Didier Flamand
- Jean-Jacques Biraud
- Patrick Bruel
- Madeleine Marie
- Annie Kerani
Writers
- Erskine Caldwell
- Pierre-Alain Maubert
- Bertrand Van Effenterre
The Bastard - FAQs
What is The Bastard about?
The Bastard follows Patrice, a young drifter whose life spirals after he kills his mother's pimp in an act of revenge for her death. With nowhere to call home, he wanders from town to town, navigating a world of violence, loneliness, and fleeting human connections in 1980s France.
What drives Patrice to commit murder in The Bastard?
Patrice kills his mother's pimp to avenge her death — a raw, impulsive act born from grief and rage rather than cold calculation. This single violent moment sets the entire film in motion, defining his identity as a fugitive and shaping every relationship he forms on the road.
Where can you watch The Bastard online?
You can check current streaming availability for The Bastard on JustWatch, which tracks where the film is available to rent, buy, or stream in your region. Options may vary depending on your country and the platforms available to you.
Who are the main actors in The Bastard?
The film features Gérard Klein as the troubled drifter Patrice, alongside Brigitte Fossey, Julie Jézéquel, Mylène Demongeot, and Victoria Abril. Notably, a very young Patrick Bruel — before his rise to pop stardom — also appears in the cast.
Does The Bastard have a happy ending?
The Bastard doesn't offer easy resolution. Patrice's journey is defined by restlessness and consequence — the film leans into the bleak realities of a life shaped by violence and displacement. Viewers looking for redemption arcs will find something far more ambiguous and unsettling here.
Is The Bastard based on a book or true story?
The Bastard draws on the work of American novelist Erskine Caldwell, whose gritty, socially charged fiction explored poverty and moral ambiguity in mid-20th century America. The screenplay was adapted by Pierre-Alain Maubert and director Bertrand Van Effenterre, transposing Caldwell's themes into a French context.
Who directed The Bastard and what is his style?
Bertrand Van Effenterre directed The Bastard, bringing a naturalistic, character-driven approach to the material. His direction favors raw emotional authenticity over stylized drama, letting the performances and the bleakness of Patrice's wandering existence speak for themselves across the film's 110-minute runtime.
What are some films similar to The Bastard?
If The Bastard resonates with you, explore Elisa (1995), Chaos (2001), Street Flow (2019), and Imperial Dreams (2014) — all films that examine fractured lives, social margins, and the weight of a troubled past. Brother (2019) and Bloody Milk (2017) also share that raw, drifting-soul energy.
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