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Torment
L'Enfer
1994 102 min France 12+
★7.5
Drama, Thriller
Director: Claude Chabrol
Trailers
Description
Working extremely hard to keep his hotel afloat, Paul begins hearing voices in his head. Convinced that his wife has been unfaithful, he begins to see every male guest as a potential threat. What follows is Paul's downward spiral into the madness of deranged jealousy where he finally discovers that hell is not a state of mind – hell is himself.
Budget:
$10M
US Gross:
$39,003
Worldwide:
$39,003
Starring
Emmanuelle Béart
Actor
François Cluzet
Actor
Nathalie Cardone
Actor
Awards
1 nomination total
Key opinion
Claude Chabrol’s adaptation of Henri-Georges Clouzot’s script is widely viewed as a compelling psychological thriller that explores the destructive power of obsessive jealousy. While the film is praised for its strong performances and effective atmosphere, reactions are divided regarding how well it stands up to the legacy of the original unproduced material.
| Acting | François Cluzet delivers a hypnotic, convincing portrayal of a man descending into madness. | |
| Acting | Emmanuelle Béart provides an elegant and striking performance that balances modesty with provocative allure. | |
| Production | The lakeside hotel setting effectively creates an immersive, claustrophobic atmosphere for the unfolding domestic drama. | |
| Screenplay | The script by Henri-Georges Clouzot provides a brilliant foundation that remains the film's greatest strength. | |
| Direction | Opinions on the direction are split: some applaud Chabrol’s refined, characteristic style, while others find the film mediocre and lacking the visual excess or intensity of Clouzot’s original vision. | |
| Ending | The film's sudden, ambiguous conclusion is polarizing, with some viewers finding it a sharp, impactful climax while others feel it lacks necessary catharsis. |