Dir. Georges Franju, 1962, 107 min, 35mm
Starring Emmanuelle Riva, Philippe Noiret, Édith Scob
A faithful adaptation of François Mauriac’s novel delves deep into the psyche of its title character, guided by her narration. Thérèse Desqueyroux (an exquisite Emmanuelle Riva) is a complex woman stifled by a confining provincial existence and loveless marriage. Her increasing resistance to playing the role of perfect wife and mother, while also desiring the freer lifestyle of her best friend turned sister-in-law (Édith Scob), fuels an intense, murderous hatred for her boring, landowner husband (Philippe Noiret). Franju’s highly affecting mix of psychological drama and shadowy noir is divinely filmed by Christian Matras and scored by Maurice Jarre.
We regret that due to a shipping error, we will not be presenting a 35mm print as scheduled. Instead, it will be shown digitally.