The Mother and the Whore 1973
"Eustache's wild look on love, art and the young generation following May 68!"
Jean Eustache's *The Mother and the Whore (1973)* is a raw, unflinching drama set against the restless spirit of post-May '68 France.
Director: Jean Eustache
Cast
Bernadette Lafont
Marie
Jean-Pierre Léaud
Alexandre
Françoise Lebrun
Veronika
Isabelle Weingarten
Gilberte
Jacques Renard
Alexandre's Friend
Jean-Noël Picq
Offenbach's Fan
Berthe Granval
Marie's Friend
Geneviève Mnich
Veronika's Friend
Jessa Darrieux
The friend with the injured hand
Marinka Matuszewski
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Mother and the Whore (1973)* about?
*The Mother and the Whore* is a drama about Alexandre, a drifting young man who becomes entangled in a volatile love triangle with his girlfriend Marie and a new lover, Veronika. As the relationship unravels, their emotional struggles reveal the complexities of love, jealousy, and the search for authenticity in a changing world.
Who directed *The Mother and the Whore*?
Jean Eustache directed *The Mother and the Whore*. The film is celebrated as one of his defining works, capturing the spirit of post-'68 France with unfiltered realism.
Who stars in *The Mother and the Whore*?
The film stars Bernadette Lafont, Jean-Pierre Léaud, and Françoise Lebrun in its central roles.
Is *The Mother and the Whore (1973)* worth watching?
While not for those seeking conventional romance, *The Mother and the Whore* is a bold, thought-provoking film about modern relationships and generational shifts. Its raw authenticity and performances make it a must-see for fans of French New Wave cinema.
How long is *The Mother and the Whore*?
The film runs for 219 minutes, offering an immersive and detailed exploration of its themes.
🎥 Trailer
About The Mother and the Whore (1973) — A Landmark French Drama of Love and Disillusion
Jean Eustache's *The Mother and the Whore (1973)* is a raw, unflinching drama set against the restless spirit of post-May '68 France. The film follows Alexandre, a disaffected young man adrift in a world of fleeting relationships, as he navigates a tangled love triangle with his girlfriend Marie and a free-spirited lover, Veronika. Their unsustainable affair spirals into emotional chaos, exposing the fragility of modern intimacy and the generational divide of the era. With stark realism and unvarnished dialogue, Eustache crafts a biting portrait of love's illusions and the search for meaning in a society grappling with change.
Starring the luminous Bernadette Lafont as Marie, Jean-Pierre Léaud as the restless Alexandre, and Françoise Lebrun as the enigmatic Veronika, the film pulses with the energy of the early 1970s. Blending drama and romance, *The Mother and the Whore* explores themes of jealousy, artistic ambition, and the cost of emotional detachment. Its immersive atmosphere—part intimate confession, part societal critique—makes it a landmark of French New Wave cinema.
