#77.The Duchess of Langeais (Ne touchez pas la
hache)
Director: Jacques Rivette
Screenwriters: Pascal Bonitzer, Christine Laurent and Rivette
Producers: Roberto Cicutto, Martine Marignac, Luigi Musini, Ermanno Olmi and Maurice Tinchant
Distributor: IFC Films
The Gist: Based on Honore de Balzac’s novella, Antoinette (Balibar) is the Duchess of Langeais, a married coquette who frequents the most extravagant balls in 1820’s Paris. At one such event she meets the handsome, brooding general Armand de Montriveau (Depardieu), who recounts his death-defying adventures in Napoleon’s army.
Fact: Jeanne Balibar also starred in Rivette’s Va Savoir.
See It:
Film was one of the most talked about from the Berlin Film Festival in 07′.
Release Date/Status?: Day and date IFC films release on February 22nd.
![]() |
![]() |