L'Argent 1983
Robert Bresson's austere 1983 crime drama *L'Argent* (85 min) strips down the age-old tale of a forged bill into a chilling meditation on moral decay and unintended consequences.
Director: Robert Bresson
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is L'Argent (1983) about?
The film follows the journey of a counterfeit 500-franc note as it circulates through Parisian society, ultimately landing in the hands of a trusting young man whose life is destroyed by its existence. Bresson explores how a small act of deception can spiral into irreversible tragedy.
Who directed L'Argent?
Robert Bresson, the legendary French director renowned for his austere, philosophical approach to cinema. His work often examines themes of morality, suffering, and human resilience.
Who stars in L'Argent?
The cast features Christian Patey in the lead role, supported by Vincent Risterucci, Sylvie Van Den Elsen, Michel Briguet, and Caroline Lang.
Is L'Argent (1983) worth watching?
With a runtime of just 85 minutes, *L'Argent* is a compelling watch for fans of slow-burn, thematically rich cinema. Bresson's stark direction and the film's potent exploration of unintended consequences make it a thought-provoking experience, though its minimalist style may not appeal to everyone.
How long is L'Argent?
The runtime of *L'Argent* is 85 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About L'Argent (1983) — A Fateful Banknote and the Unraveling of an Innocent Man
Robert Bresson's austere 1983 crime drama *L'Argent* (85 min) strips down the age-old tale of a forged bill into a chilling meditation on moral decay and unintended consequences. The story begins with a counterfeit 500-franc note, passed from hand to hand across Parisian shops and desperate pockets, until it reaches a trusting young man whose innocence proves no shield against society's crushing indifference. Bresson's signature minimalism—precise framing, muted performances, and near-silent sequences—lends the narrative an almost clinical detachment, yet the tension simmers beneath every measured glance and hesitant exchange. Themes of guilt, exploitation, and the fragility of human connection unfold in a stark, unflinching style that feels both timeless and urgently modern.
Christian Patey leads the ensemble as the unwitting victim, embodying quiet devastation as the forged note unravels his life, while Vincent Risterucci and Sylvie Van Den Elsen populate a world where compassion is a luxury few can afford. Shot in Bresson's trademark restrained palette, *L'Argent* transforms a simple plot into a haunting allegory about how small acts of deception ripple outward, leaving collateral damage in their wake. For fans of cerebral cinema that lingers long after the credits roll, this is a masterclass in less-is-more storytelling.