Cinema
The Abyss
L'œuvre au noir
André Delvaux · 1988
Synopsis
Sixteenth-century Flanders, under the Inquisition. Zeno, a physician, philosopher and alchemist, hunted for years in the lands held by religious and political orthodoxy, returns under a false name to Bruges, his native city, after some twenty years of wandering in Europe. He believes himself forgotten. But, as he meets people, the puzzle of his life and ideas is gradually reassembled in the memory of others.
Context
The film keeps only the second part of Marguerite Yourcenar's book, who herself encouraged this choice; the director had corresponded with her during the six years of preparation, and these letters now accompany the film's DVD. Gian Maria Volonté plays Zeno, and his dubbed French voice has been criticised. It is the last feature film by its director.
Who it is for
One hundred and ten minutes, in French, of deliberate austerity. The film moves slowly and demands patience.
Prizes and reception
In official competition at the Cannes festival in 1988; André Cavens Prize of Belgian film criticism.
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