The Devil and the Ten Commandments
The film consists of seven roughly 15 minute episodes, each showing what will happen if one or more of the Ten Commandments will be broken: Jérome Chambard is warned that he will lose his job if he continues to swear; Françoise Beaufort enamored of a stripper calls on her only to find her married to a janitor who doesn't know what kind of dancing his wife performs; Denis, a Jesuit novice, leaves the order to avenge his sister's suicide, which was provoked by Garigny, who seduced her into prostitution and drug addiction; Philip buys a necklace for Micheline though he is bored with her; a young man find out that his real mother is not Madeleine, but actress Clarisse Ardant; Didier Marin, cashier of a bank, was fired by his boss; the Devil appears as a serpent for Jérome Chambard and the bishop are eating.
Insights
Plot Summary
This anthology film presents the Ten Commandments through a series of interconnected moral tales set in modern France. Each segment explores a different commandment, showcasing how individuals grapple with temptation, sin, and the consequences of their actions. The narrative weaves together various characters whose lives intersect, often with ironic or tragic outcomes, all under the watchful, and sometimes mischievous, eye of the Devil.
Critical Reception
The film was a commercial success in France and received mixed to positive reviews internationally. Critics often praised Duvivier's ambitious direction and the strong ensemble cast, though some found the episodic nature and moralizing tone uneven. It was particularly noted for its star power and its exploration of universal themes through distinct vignettes.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its ambitious directorial vision and star-studded cast.
- The episodic structure offers a varied exploration of morality and human failing.
- Some found the moralistic undertones to be heavy-handed.
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Fun Fact
The film was one of the last major works of director Julien Duvivier, a titan of French cinema known for his distinctive visual style and exploration of human nature.
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