Cast
View AllAlexandre Etzlinger
as Achille
Roy Dupuis
as Joe
Sabine Timoteo
as Pénélope
Christophe Sermet
as Alexis
Ludivine Geschworner
as Mathilde
Thierry Jorand
as Joe's boss
Isabelle Caillat
as Police officer 1
Michel Demierre
as Police officer 2
Serge Musy
as Police officer 3
Marco Calamandrei
as Prison guard
Lionel Fresard
as Prison guard x-ray
Pascal Parizot
as Supermarket client
Mathilde Mélèse
as Supermarket employee
Lionel Blanc
as Classmate
Eliott Favre
as Baby Achille
Crew
Director
- Séverine Cornamusaz
Writer
- Marcel Beaulieu
- Séverine Cornamusaz
Producer
- Xavier Grin
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Cyanide examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Séverine Cornamusaz 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 2013, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Cyanide took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 109 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 204 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2013, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Cyanide 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 Eight Mountains, which focuses more on action than character development, Cyanide subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Dance with Me and The Man Who Invented Christmas explore similar territory, Cyanide stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: February 27, 2013
- Runtime: 1h 49m
