Intimate Strangers (2004 film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Motion picture |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founder | Patrice Leconte (director) |
| Headquarters | Paris , France |
| Products | Film |
Intimate Strangers () is a French motion picture from 2004, helmed by director Patrice Leconte. This sophisticated noir narrative delves into the unforeseen bond formed between a young woman facing difficulties and a reclusive tax advisor who, through a case of mistaken identity, becomes her confidant rather than her intended therapist.
Plot
William, a discreet tax consultant based in Paris, finds himself unexpectedly involved when Anna, a troubled young woman, mistakenly confides her marital issues to him instead of the psychotherapist located on the same floor. Despite this mix-up, she returns with increasingly personal revelations, while William refrains from correcting her misunderstanding about his profession.
When Anna ceases to visit, William grows concerned and seeks advice from Dr. Monnier, who perceives William's interest but chooses not to intervene. William also opens up to his ex-partner Jeanne, who quickly grasps Anna’s underlying motives. As Anna continues sharing her secrets with William, their unconventional relationship intensifies despite the looming threat posed by her husband.
Over time, Anna becomes more self-assured and declares her intention to leave her spouse. William offers his support and subsequently moves his practice to the southern coast of France, where he discovers Anna has taken up work as a ballet instructor. Upon her visit to his new office, their dynamic shifts as William begins to reveal his own personal struggles to her...
Cast
- Sandrine Bonnaire portraying Anna
- Fabrice Luchini as William
- Michel Duchaussoy in the role of Dr. Monnier
- Anne Brochet as Jeanne
- Gilbert Melki playing Marc
- Urbain Cancelier as Chatel
- Laurent Gamelon in the role of Luc
- Hélène Surgère as Mrs. Mulon
Release
The film was an official competitor at the 2004 Berlin Film Festival.
- United States release
Paramount Classics secured distribution rights for the U.S. market and premiered the film in theaters on July 30, 2004. It achieved a domestic box office total of $2.1 million, marking a notable success for a foreign-language title. Ruth Vitale, then serving as president of Paramount Classics, expressed satisfaction with its American reception. Additionally, Paramount Pictures, the parent company of Paramount Vantage, developed a comedic Hollywood adaptation starring Hilary Swank, with the screenplay penned by Kelly Fremon Craig.
Reception
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film maintains an approval rating of 86% based on evaluations from 104 critics, with consensus highlighting Patrice Leconte’s psychological treatment within a Hitchcock-inspired noir framework. On Metacritic, it holds a score of 71% derived from 28 critical reviews.
Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times awarded the movie 3.5 stars out of 4, commending its intricate character motivations that sustain audience intrigue until the conclusion. Lisa Nesselson from Variety also provided favorable commentary on the film.
External links
- IMDb
- Mojo