Marie, the Doll (1976)
A quietly unsettling French drama about innocence, obsession, and the fine line between devotion and possession.
Marie, the Doll - Movie Information
- Original Title: Marie-poupée
- Release Year: 1976
- Directed by: Joël Séria
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 46m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 25, 1976 (France - U), October 10, 1976 (United States)
- Alternative Titles: Marie, a Boneca (BR)
- Production Companies: P.H.P.G., Coquelicot Films
- Production Countries: France
Marie, the Doll - Plot
Marie, who was orphaned as a young girl, has a case of arrested development that makes her act younger than her age. One day she stops to look in a store window displaying various ornate dolls. Claude, the affluent, eccentric store owner, sees her and becomes infatuated which leads to her and him meeting and deciding to go and take a look at Claude personal doll collection at his house. Marie, unaware of Claude's bizarre obsession with dolls, decides to marry him.
Marie, the Doll - Trailer
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Marie, the Doll - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Joël Séria
Main Cast
- Jeanne Goupil
- André Dussollier
- Andréa Ferréol
- Bernard Fresson
- Fanny Ardant
- Isabelle Cagnat
- Nathalie Drivet
- Alain Flick
- Pierre Forget
- Serge Frédéric
Writers
- Joël Séria
Marie, the Doll - FAQs
What is Marie, the Doll about?
Marie, the Doll follows an orphaned young woman whose arrested development leaves her emotionally childlike. When she catches the eye of Claude, a wealthy and eccentric doll collector, she agrees to marry him — unaware of just how deep and disturbing his obsession truly runs.
Who directed Marie, the Doll?
Marie, the Doll was directed by Joël Séria, the French filmmaker known for his unsettling, boundary-pushing approach to character-driven drama. Séria also wrote the screenplay, giving the film a deeply personal and singular creative vision from start to finish.
Who stars in Marie, the Doll?
Jeanne Goupil leads the cast as Marie, with André Dussollier playing the obsessive Claude. The film also features Andréa Ferréol, Bernard Fresson, and a notably early appearance by Fanny Ardant, who would go on to become one of France's most celebrated actresses.
Is Marie, the Doll based on a true story?
Marie, the Doll is not based on a specific true story. It is an original screenplay written by director Joël Séria. The film draws on psychological and social themes — particularly around obsession, innocence, and control — rather than any documented real-life events.
When was Marie, the Doll released?
Marie, the Doll premiered in France on August 25, 1976, before reaching US audiences on October 10, 1976. It remains a distinctive entry in 1970s French cinema, appreciated for its psychological depth and the strong performances at its center.
What is the runtime of Marie, the Doll?
Marie, the Doll runs for 1 hour and 46 minutes (106 minutes). It's a measured, atmospheric film that takes its time building the unsettling dynamic between its two central characters, making the most of every scene to deepen the psychological tension.
Is Marie, the Doll worth watching for fans of French cinema?
Absolutely — Marie, the Doll is a compelling and underappreciated gem of 1970s French drama. With a quietly disturbing premise, strong performances from Jeanne Goupil and André Dussollier, and Joël Séria's confident direction, it offers a psychologically rich experience that lingers well after the credits roll.
What are some movies similar to Marie, the Doll?
If Marie, the Doll resonated with you, you might enjoy Everybody Loves Jeanne (2022) and Beating Hearts (2024) for their intimate character studies, or The Braves (2022) for its emotionally charged drama. These films share a similar focus on complex relationships and nuanced human psychology.
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