L'ennui (1998)
A searing French drama about obsession, desire, and the slow collapse of reason — directed by Cédric Kahn and adapted from Alberto Moravia's novel.
L'ennui - Movie Information
- Original Title: L'ennui
- Release Year: 1998
- Directed by: Cédric Kahn
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Romance
- Runtime: 2h 2m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 14, 1998 (Greece), June 16, 1999 (Germany - 16), December 16, 1998 (France - 12), December 3, 1999 (Spain)
- Alternative Titles: Liebe, Sex und Leidenschaft (DE)
- Production Companies: Gemini Films, Ima Films, Madragoa Filmes, CNC, Canal+
- Production Countries: Portugal, France
L'ennui - Plot
A philosophy teacher restless with the need to do something with his life meets a young woman suspected of driving an artist to his death. He finds the very simple Cecilia irritating but develops a sexual rapport with her. Obsessed with the need to own and tormented by her inability to respond to him, he becomes increasingly violent in a quest he can't name - a quest that slowly begins to undermine his certainties.
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L'ennui - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Cédric Kahn
Main Cast
- Charles Berling
- Sophie Guillemin
- Arielle Dombasle
- Robert Kramer
- Alice Grey
- Maurice Antoni
- Tom Ouedraogo
- Patrick Arrachequesne
- Serge Bozon
- Anne-Sophie Morillon
Writers
- Cédric Kahn
- Laurence Ferreira Barbosa
Producers
- Paulo Branco
L'ennui - FAQs
Is L'ennui based on a novel or book?
Yes, L'ennui is adapted from the 1960 novel La noia (Boredom) by Italian author Alberto Moravia. The novel explores similar themes of existential emptiness and obsessive desire, and Cédric Kahn transposed the story to a contemporary French setting for his 1998 film adaptation.
Where can I watch L'ennui online?
Streaming availability for L'ennui varies by region and platform. You can check current viewing options, including rental, purchase, and subscription services, by visiting JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date streaming information across all major platforms in your country.
Who are the lead actors in L'ennui?
L'ennui stars Charles Berling as Martin, a philosophy teacher consumed by obsession, and Sophie Guillemin as Cécilia, the enigmatic young woman at the center of his fixation. The supporting cast includes Arielle Dombasle, Robert Kramer, Alice Grey, and Maurice Antoni.
What is L'ennui about?
L'ennui follows a restless philosophy teacher who becomes dangerously obsessed with Cécilia, a young woman linked to a recently deceased artist. Unable to possess her emotionally, he grows increasingly controlling and violent, as his intellectual certainties crumble under the weight of irrational desire.
Who directed L'ennui and who wrote the screenplay?
L'ennui was directed by Cédric Kahn, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Laurence Ferreira Barbosa. Kahn adapted the script from Alberto Moravia's celebrated novel La noia, reshaping its themes of boredom and erotic obsession for a late-1990s French context.
What is the runtime and release date of L'ennui?
L'ennui runs for approximately 2 hours and 2 minutes. The film was released in France on December 16, 1998, and had additional international releases, including Greece in November 1998, Germany in June 1999, and Spain in December 1999.
What films are similar to L'ennui?
Viewers who appreciate L'ennui may also enjoy The Piano Teacher (2001), The Rules of Attraction (2002), Disobedience (2018), and Primal Fear (1996). These films share themes of psychological intensity, complex desire, and morally ambiguous characters navigating destructive relationships.
How was L'ennui received by critics?
L'ennui earned strong critical praise upon release, particularly for Charles Berling's intense lead performance and Cédric Kahn's unflinching direction. Critics highlighted the film's bold exploration of erotic obsession and existential anguish, drawing favorable comparisons to European art-house cinema of the era.
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