Cast
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Daniel Auteuil
as Georges Laurent
Juliette Binoche
as Anne Laurent
Annie Girardot
as Georges's Mother
Bernard Le Coq
as Georges's Editor-In-Chief
Daniel Duval
as Pierre
Maurice Bénichou
as Majid
Walid Afkir
as Majid's Son
Lester Makedonsky
as Pierrot Laurent
Nathalie Richard
as Mathilde
Denis Podalydès
as Yvon
Caroline Baehr
as Nurse
Christian Benedetti
as Georges's Father
Loïc Brabant
as Police Officer No. 2
Aïssa Maïga
as Chantal
Jean-Jacques Brochier
as TV Guest
Crew
Director
- Michael Haneke
Producer
- Rémi Burah
- Veit Heiduschka
- Michael Weber
- Valerio De Paolis
Reviews
CinemaSerf
On the face of it, "Georges" (Daniel Auteuil) and wife "Anne" (Juliette Binoche) are a successfully married couple. Both working in publishing, he has his own review programme on television whilst their teenage son "Pierrot" (Lester Makedonsky) remains pretty distant from their professional and social lives. When "Georges" starts receiving anonymous VHS cassettes things become much more tense and the strains on this family more pronounced. These tapes initially begin by surveilling their home, but gradually they become more penetrative and invasive. The police can't do anything and their neighbours have seen nothing untoward locally. Then he discovers what might just be a clue and that takes him to "Majid" (Maurice Bénichou) who lives with his grown-up son (Walid Afkir). It transpires that his family has history with this man. In fact, he is all but an half-brother to "Georges" and after a rather frank conversation he assures him that he has nothing to do with these intimidatory packages. When "Pierrot" makes an unscheduled overnight stay with a friend, the parents become frenzied and it looks like whoever has set out to wreck their lives might just have accomplished their task! Pretty much from the start, Auteuil is on good form as the man about to blow his top. His character is becoming more and more frustrated and his portrayal really counters well with Binoche's sparingly but potently delivered wife who is largely unaware of all the pieces of her husband's familial jigsaw as they fall into place. When tragedy strikes - only a matter of time - the tension is raised another notch, but will we ever discover who is doing what to whom? Or why? The backstory here is as important as what's going on presently, and that information isn't presented as fluidly as I'd have liked. We are not really given much information to go on, and when we are it is almost as if it's there to justify the plot we are seeing unfold rather than the other way around. That said, it's still quite a tensely directed and paced affair that is worth watching.
Apr 22, 2024
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Caché 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 Michael Haneke 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 2005, 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 Caché took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $8.5 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 117 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 161 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2005, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Caché shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike My Last Five Girlfriends, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Caché offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Flipped and Soul Surfer explore similar territory, Caché 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: October 5, 2005
- Runtime: 1h 57m
- Budget: $8,500,000
- Revenue: $16,197,824
Where to Watch
