Cast
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Jean Dujardin
as Judge Pierre Michel
Gilles Lellouche
as Gaëtan 'Tany' Zampa
Céline Sallette
as Jacqueline Michel
Mélanie Doutey
as Christiane Zampa
Benoît Magimel
as 'Le Fou'
Guillaume Gouix
as Inspector José Alvarez
Bruno Todeschini
as 'Le Banquier'
Féodor Atkine
as Gaston Deferre
Moussa Maaskri
as Franky Manzoni
Pierre Lopez
as Jean Paci
Eric Collado
as Robert
Cyril Lecomte
as Marco Da Costa
Jean-Pierre Sanchez
as Fabrizio Mandonato
Georges Neri
as Charles Peretti
Martial Bezot
as Martial Salin, 'Le gitan'
Crew
Director
- Cédric Jimenez
Writer
- Audrey Diwan
- Cédric Jimenez
Producer
- Alain Goldman
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Thriller/Crime/Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Connection distinguishes itself through its exceptional pacing and meaningful stakes for its protagonists.
Director Cédric Jimenez 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2014, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Connection took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $26.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 135 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 179 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 246 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2014, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Connection shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike 3 Nights, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Connection offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like American Gangster and Elite Squad explore similar territory, The Connection stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 3, 2014
- Runtime: 2h 15m
- Budget: $26,000,000
Where to Watch
