"When I read Amélie Nothomb's novel," says the film's director François Ruggieri, "I immediately thought the story could be intensified if the film started at the end. First we discover that Prétextat Tach is dead, and then we tell his story backwards. I resorted to flashbacks because of the film’s double tale: the ongoing investigation into the suspected murderers and their motives, and the revelation of various aspects of the victim's life during his youth." Prétextat Tach is not only a famous and feted author, but has even won the Nobel Prize for Literature. Tach lives as a recluse in a huge, gloomy apartment. He has virtually hasn't seen anyone for years. When he learns that he's dying of cancer, he agrees to meet reporters in order to transmit his vision of things to mankind, to deliver his spiritual testament. The next day, he is found dead. Perhaps murdered. During the investigation, the police uncover some pretty racy details about the old ogre's past, but are they enough to incriminate the young reporter, Nina, who was the last person to see Tach alive?
Synopsis
Actors (7)
Production and distribution (2)
Executive Producer :
French distribution :
TV Broadcasts: Cumulative total
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About
When I read Amélie Nothomb's novel, I immediately thought the story could be intensified if the film started at the end. First we discover that Prétextat Tach is dead, and then we tell his story backwards. I resorted to flashbacks because of the film’s double tale: the ongoing investigation into the suspected murderers and their motives, and the revelation of various aspects of the victim's life during his youth. Tales within tales unfold. Nina’s interview and videotape of Tach progressively reveal the story of this strange man, and more comes to light when she is questioned by police. Other decisions came about for technical reasons: should part of the film be shot in black-and-white, the other part in color? Etcetera... (François Ruggierri – Director)
Full credits (8)
Executive Producer :
Sound Recordist :
Editors :
Delphine Desfons, Marie-Pierre Renaud
Music Composer :
Director of Photography :
Press Attaché (film) :
Production Designer :
Costume designer :
Technical details
Feature film
Genres :
FictionProduction language :
FrenchOriginal French-language productions :
UnknownNationality :
100% FrenchProduction year :
1998French release :
24/02/1999Runtime :
1 h 20 minCurrent status :
ReleasedVisa number :
91.212Visa issue date :
02/10/1998Approval :
YesProduction formats :
35mmColor type :
ColorAspect ratio :
1.85Audio format :
Dolby SRPosters (1)
