Cast
View All
Jean-Hugues Anglade
as Henri
Vittorio Mezzogiorno
as Jean Lerman
Roland Bertin
as Bosmans
Lisa Kreuzer
as Elisabeth
Claude Berri
as Client
Hammou Graïa
as Young Man at the Train Station
Gérard Desarthe
as Crying Man
Armin Mueller-Stahl
as Henri's Father
Annick Alane
as Henri's Mother
Sophie Edmond
as Henri's Sister
Marie Verdi
as
Suzanne Chavance
as
Roland Chalosse
as
Bernard-Marie Koltès
as Boy at the Train Station
Charly Chemouny
as Young Hustler
Crew
Director
- Patrice Chéreau
Producer
- Claude Berri
- Marie-Laure Reyre
- Ariel Zeitoun
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Romance/Crime/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Wounded Man presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Patrice Chéreau 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 1983, 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 The Wounded Man took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 110 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 161 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 358 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1983, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Wounded Man shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Against the Law, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Wounded Man subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like May and Beautiful Thing explore similar territory, The Wounded Man 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: May 25, 1983
- Runtime: 1h 50m
