Heat of Desire Poster

Heat of Desire 1981

★ 5.110 votes86 min📅 1981-04-29

Luc Béraud's *Heat of Desire (1981)* immerses viewers in a France teetering on the edge of political upheaval and moral chaos, where personal betrayals mirror larger societal fractures.

Director: Luc Béraud

Cast

Patrick Dewaere
Patrick Dewaere
Serge Lainé
Clio Goldsmith
Clio Goldsmith
Carol
Jeanne Moreau
Jeanne Moreau
Hélène
Guy Marchand
Guy Marchand
Max Moineau - un maquereau
Pierre Dux
Pierre Dux
Rognon - un membre du Redressement National
José Luis López Vázquez
José Luis López Vázquez
Sr. Martínez - le recteur de l'université de Barcelone
Luis Andrés
Le sous-directeur de l'hôtel
Roland Amstutz
Roland Amstutz
Jeannot Lainé - le frère de Serge
Béatrice Camurat
Pepita - la fille d'un armateur chargée de séduire Serge
Robert Rimbaud
Philippe Muphand - un ministre réctionnaire

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Heat of Desire (1981) about?

*Heat of Desire* follows Serge Laine, a disillusioned professor whose life spirals into chaos when he falls for Caroline, the lover of a rising right-wing politician. Their passionate affair unfolds against a backdrop of political unrest, as France teeters on the edge of authoritarian rule. The film explores how personal rebellion intersects with societal upheaval.

Who directed Heat of Desire?

Luc Béraud directed *Heat of Desire*. Known for his sharp character-driven dramas, Béraud crafts a tense narrative where intimate relationships reflect broader political stakes.

Who stars in Heat of Desire?

The film stars Patrick Dewaere as Serge Laine, Clio Goldsmith as Caroline, and Jeanne Moreau in a pivotal role, with Guy Marchand and Pierre Dux rounding out the ensemble.

Is Heat of Desire (1981) worth watching?

With its gripping blend of political intrigue and steamy romance, *Heat of Desire* offers a compelling watch for fans of 1980s French cinema. Dewaere's performance and Béraud's atmospheric direction make it a standout for drama enthusiasts, even if its unrated status leaves some ambiguity about its reception.

How long is Heat of Desire?

Heat of Desire runs for 86 minutes, a tight runtime that keeps the tension and passion compact and intense.

About Heat of Desire (1981) — A French political drama where passion sparks chaos

Luc Béraud's *Heat of Desire (1981)* immerses viewers in a France teetering on the edge of political upheaval and moral chaos, where personal betrayals mirror larger societal fractures. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a looming right-wing takeover, led by the calculating Philippe Muphand, whose world unravels when his lover Caroline abruptly abandons him. Her reckless declaration to pursue fleeting passion sets the stage for a passionate affair with Serge Laine, an idealistic professor and celebrated author escaping his mundane life for a second honeymoon and academic lectures in Barcelona. This romantic entanglement spirals into a cycle of temptation, rebellion, and consequence, blurring the lines between love and destruction. With its blend of political tension and intimate drama, *Heat of Desire* captures the raw urgency of a society—and a man—on the brink.

Patrick Dewaere's magnetic performance as Serge anchors the film, while Clio Goldsmith radiates unpredictable allure as Caroline, and Jeanne Moreau lends gravitas to the turbulent narrative. Béraud crafts a moody, atmospheric tale where passion becomes both escape and downfall, leaving audiences questioning whether desire is liberation or a trap in a world careening toward authoritarianism.