A young teacher, Julien Barnes, is engaged by an aristocratic family. In joining the household, he discovers a strange atmosphere in which his employers make eccentric displays about just everything. His pupil, Morgan, proves to be a boy with a high intelligent mind, but little discipline. In trying to get his new charge to accept him, and his authority, Julien discovers to what extent the boy comes to admire his guidance and friendship.
Based on a Henry James short story, "The Pupil", this French film was directed by Oliver Schatzky, who also adapted the material with Eva Deboise, for the screen. The production, set at the end of the XIX century, offers a glimpse at the aristocratic classes in England. The family in the film is far from being rich, but managed to live well through the connections they have made, more on the money they had.
The work of Henry James requires another tone, perhaps, something that the creators have not taken well into consideration. The casting of Vincent Cassel, who has made a career playing tough guys was a surprise, as it shows a versatility from this actor, unknown to his film persona. His Julien Barnes is a prissy man that, while liking the rich atmosphere in which he has come to live, is never quite at home being among these aristocrats. Caspar Salmon, who plays Morgan, makes an excellent contribution to the film. Jean-Pierre Marielle, a veteran screen actor appears as Armand, the patriarch of the family.
Carlo Varini, the cinematographer, captured the atmosphere that goes from splendor into decadence. The Polish exteriors, we believe they were photographed in Krakow, pass for the Russia where they are supposed to take place. Romano Musumarra is the composer of the musical score.
Based on a Henry James short story, "The Pupil", this French film was directed by Oliver Schatzky, who also adapted the material with Eva Deboise, for the screen. The production, set at the end of the XIX century, offers a glimpse at the aristocratic classes in England. The family in the film is far from being rich, but managed to live well through the connections they have made, more on the money they had.
The work of Henry James requires another tone, perhaps, something that the creators have not taken well into consideration. The casting of Vincent Cassel, who has made a career playing tough guys was a surprise, as it shows a versatility from this actor, unknown to his film persona. His Julien Barnes is a prissy man that, while liking the rich atmosphere in which he has come to live, is never quite at home being among these aristocrats. Caspar Salmon, who plays Morgan, makes an excellent contribution to the film. Jean-Pierre Marielle, a veteran screen actor appears as Armand, the patriarch of the family.
Carlo Varini, the cinematographer, captured the atmosphere that goes from splendor into decadence. The Polish exteriors, we believe they were photographed in Krakow, pass for the Russia where they are supposed to take place. Romano Musumarra is the composer of the musical score.
