Cast
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Jeremy Irons
as Dr. Stephen Fleming
Juliette Binoche
as Anna Barton
Miranda Richardson
as Ingrid Fleming
Rupert Graves
as Martyn Fleming
Peter Stormare
as Peter Wetzler
Gemma Clarke
as Sally Fleming
Ian Bannen
as Edward Lloyd
Julian Fellowes
as Donald Lyndsay, MP
Leslie Caron
as Elizabeth Prideaux
Tony Doyle
as Prime Minister
Ray Gravell
as Raymond
Susan Engel
as Miss Snow
David Thewlis
as Detective
Benjamin Whitrow
as Civil Servant
Jeff Nuttall
as Trevor Leigh Davies MP
Crew
Director
- Louis Malle
Producer
- Louis Malle
Reviews
Bazzjazz
Harrowing movie, Juliette Binoche and Jeremy Irons have great chemistry.
It’s a very ‘arty’ film .
But it leaves you feeling queasy when you realize the consequences.
Good show!
Apr 26, 2018
CinemaSerf
Jeremy Irons is a happily married (to Miranda Richardson) British government minister who meets his usually quite rakish son's (Rupert Graves) latest girlfriend (Juliette Binoche). The two click immediately - and soon they are doing a lot more than just clicking. That's about it - they carry out their clandestine liaison with all it's concomitant risks and thrills before an ending that I really thought underwhelming. This is one of the frequently wooden Irons' better efforts, Graves still has his "Scudder" hair from "Maurice" (1987) and Binoche works well as the femme fatale, but somehow the story just plods along. It looks good, but the pace is all just to procedural and aside from the pitiable, and under-used, Richardson, the remaining characters engender little that is likeable or personable. Even the (infrequent) sex scenes lack intimacy or intensity; it's all just a little bit A+B=C, for me.
Aug 26, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Damage examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Louis Malle brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1992, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Damage took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $11.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 111 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 154 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 80 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 1719 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1992, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Damage shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Golden Mass, which focuses more on action than character development, Damage subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Riders and Breathless explore similar territory, Damage stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 2, 1992
- Runtime: 1h 51m
- Budget: $11,000,000
- Revenue: $31,000,000
