Henri-Georges Clouzot's Inferno
Henri-Georges Clouzot's Inferno

Movie spotlight

Henri-Georges Clouzot's Inferno

2009
Movie
102 min
French

In 1964, Henri-Georges Clouzot's production of L'Enfer came to a halt. Despite huge expectations, major studio backing and an unlimited budget, after three weeks the production collapsed. This documentary presents Inferno's incredible expressionistic original rushes, screen tests, and on-location footage, whilst also reconstructing Clouzot's original vision, and shedding light on the ill-fated endeavor through interviews, dramatizations of unfilmed scenes, and Clouzot's own notes.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Metacritic79/100
Google Users89%
Director: Serge Bromberg, Ruxandra MedreaGenres: Documentary

Plot Summary

This documentary explores the tumultuous and ultimately unfinished 1964 film project "L'Enfer" by director Henri-Georges Clouzot. It delves into the complex relationships, artistic ambitions, and personal struggles that plagued the production, using recovered footage and interviews to piece together the story behind the film that never was. The narrative focuses on the strained marriage of the film's protagonists and Clouzot's own obsessive methods.

Critical Reception

Henri-Georges Clouzot's Inferno received critical acclaim for its fascinating look into a legendary unfinished film and the behind-the-scenes drama. Reviewers praised its insightful exploration of Clouzot's genius and flaws, as well as the compelling use of archival footage. The documentary is seen as a significant contribution to film history, shedding light on a lost cinematic endeavor.

What Reviewers Say

  • A captivating and meticulously crafted documentary about a film's dramatic collapse.

  • Offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the mind of a master filmmaker at work and at odds with himself.

  • The recovered footage is mesmerizing, providing a haunting look at what might have been.

Google audience: Audiences found the documentary to be a compelling and well-made exploration of a fascinating cinematic failure. Many appreciated the insight into the troubled production and the brilliance of Clouzot's vision, even in its incomplete state.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Documentary at the César Awards.

Fun Fact

The documentary is constructed primarily from the extensive footage shot for Clouzot's "L'Enfer," which was abandoned due to its controversial nature, financial issues, and Clouzot's deteriorating health.

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