The Temptation of Isabelle Poster

The Temptation of Isabelle 1985

★ 5.311 votes86 min📅 1985-10-23

Jacques Doillon's 1985 drama *The Temptation of Isabelle* unfolds in a charged hotel setting, where relationships are tested against the past.

Director: Jacques Doillon

Cast

Ann-Gisel Glass
Ann-Gisel Glass
Isabelle
Jacques Bonnaffé
Jacques Bonnaffé
Bruno
Fanny Bastien
Fanny Bastien
Lio
Xavier Deluc
Xavier Deluc
Alain
Françoise Brion
Françoise Brion
Isabelle's mother
Henri Virlogeux
Henri Virlogeux
Isabelle's father
Anne-Marie Maillé
The girl
Charlotte Gainsbourg
Charlotte Gainsbourg
The child

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Temptation of Isabelle (1985) about?

The film follows Isabelle's birthday celebration, which takes a dramatic turn when her ex-lover, Alain, arrives with his girlfriend. Her controlling boyfriend, Bruno, sets up the reunion to test her feelings, sparking a web of jealousy and emotional reckoning.

Who directed The Temptation of Isabelle?

Jacques Doillon directed the film, known for his nuanced character studies and realistic portrayals of relationships.

Who stars in The Temptation of Isabelle?

The film features Ann-Gisel Glass as Isabelle, Jacques Bonnaffé as Bruno, and Fanny Bastien as Lio, among other standout performances.

Is The Temptation of Isabelle (1985) worth watching?

Though not widely rated on IMDb, the film's sharp psychological drama and Doillon's direction make it compelling for fans of character-driven films. Its brevity and emotional intensity offer a satisfying, if unsettling, experience.

How long is The Temptation of Isabelle?

The film runs for 86 minutes, offering a tight, immersive narrative.

About The Temptation of Isabelle (1985) — A Tense Drama of Love, Trust, and Unexpected Reunions

Jacques Doillon's 1985 drama *The Temptation of Isabelle* unfolds in a charged hotel setting, where relationships are tested against the past. Isabelle, celebrating her birthday, finds herself unexpectedly reunited with Alain, her former flame, who arrives with his current partner. What begins as a polite gathering quickly spirals into emotional turbulence as Bruno, her controlling boyfriend, orchestrated the encounter to gauge her loyalty. Set against the intimate yet volatile atmosphere of 1980s Parisian social circles, the film explores themes of trust, jealousy, and the fragility of love. With a minimalist runtime of just 86 minutes, Doillon crafts a tense, dialogue-driven exploration of human insecurity.

The ensemble cast—led by Ann-Gisel Glass as Isabelle, Jacques Bonnaffé as Bruno, and Fanny Bastien as Lio—delivers raw performances that amplify the film's emotional stakes. The narrative lingers on the unspoken tensions between the characters, revealing how easily affection can curdle into suspicion. Shot in muted tones, *The Temptation of Isabelle (1985)* captures the quiet devastation of relationships strained by doubt and nostalgia.