La Flambeuse (1981)
A French drama about a woman whose restless curiosity leads her from the card table to the edge of self-destruction.
La Flambeuse - Movie Information
- Original Title: La Flambeuse
- Release Year: 1981
- Directed by: Rachel Weinberg
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 13, 1981 (France)
- Production Companies: Dimage, Antenne 2
La Flambeuse - Plot
A woman on the brink of middle age becomes bored and takes up playing cards. She becomes hooked on gambling and begins to neglect her husband and children.
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La Flambeuse - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Rachel Weinberg
Main Cast
- Lea Massari
- Laurent Terzieff
- Gérard Blain
- Évelyne
- Didier Sauvegrain
- Gabriel Jabbour
- Claude Brosset
- Pierre Saintons
- Rudolph Monori
Writers
- Jean-Marie Marguet
- Rachel Weinberg
La Flambeuse - FAQs
What is La Flambeuse about?
La Flambeuse follows Louise, a woman approaching middle age who grows restless with her domestic routine and discovers card playing. What starts as a harmless pastime quickly spirals into a full-blown gambling addiction, causing her to drift away from her husband and children as the obsession takes hold.
Who are the main actors in La Flambeuse?
Lea Massari leads the cast as Louise, the woman consumed by gambling. She's joined by Laurent Terzieff as the enigmatic 'Le Chevalier', Gérard Blain as her husband Henri, and Évelyne as Clémentine, alongside Didier Sauvegrain, Gabriel Jabbour, Claude Brosset, Pierre Saintons, and Rudolph Monori.
Who directed La Flambeuse?
La Flambeuse was directed by Rachel Weinberg, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Jean-Marie Marguet. The film stands as a notable work in French cinema for its intimate, character-driven portrait of addiction and the quiet unraveling of a woman's domestic life.
When was La Flambeuse released?
La Flambeuse had its French release on May 13, 1981. The film was produced by Dimage in association with Antenne 2, the French public television broadcaster, which was a common production model for French cinema during that era.
How long is La Flambeuse?
La Flambeuse runs for 95 minutes, giving Rachel Weinberg just enough time to trace Louise's gradual descent into gambling addiction with quiet, unhurried precision. The film's measured pace mirrors the slow, creeping nature of the obsession at its heart.
What makes Lea Massari's performance compelling in this film?
Lea Massari brings remarkable restraint and depth to Louise, conveying the character's inner restlessness through subtle shifts in expression and body language. Her portrayal captures the seductive pull of gambling not as recklessness but as a form of self-discovery — making Louise's unraveling both believable and deeply affecting.
What are some movies similar to La Flambeuse?
If La Flambeuse resonates with you, you might enjoy Betty (1992), Treat Me Like Fire (2018), or Promises (2022), all of which explore complex female characters navigating desire and self-destruction. Qwerty (2012) and Devil Between the Legs (2019) also offer similarly intimate, character-driven dramatic experiences.
What language is La Flambeuse in?
La Flambeuse is entirely in French, reflecting its origins as a French production. The film was made with support from Antenne 2, France's public television network, and is firmly rooted in the French dramatic tradition of intimate, psychologically focused storytelling.
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