The Madman Poster

The Madman 1971

★ 6.52 votes87 min📅 1971-01-11

Claude Goretta's *The Madman (1971)* plunges viewers into the crumbling world of George, a middle-aged man pushed to the edge by financial ruin and personal despair.

Director: Claude Goretta

Cast

François Simon
François Simon
George Plond
Camille Fournier
Camille Fournier
Jeanne Plond
Arnold Walter
Alain Burnier
Pierre Walker
Director
André Neury
Police inspector
Jean Claudio
Jean Claudio
Business agent
Frédérique Meininger
Frédérique Meininger
Simone
Jean-Luc Bideau
Jean-Luc Bideau
Jean-Luc
Roland Amstutz
Roland Amstutz
Policeman

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Madman (1971) about?

The film follows George, a man whose life collapses after a fraudulent investment firm wipes out his savings, forcing him into early retirement. Left caring for his disabled wife and drowning in debt, his desperation spirals into madness, turning his world into a nightmare of isolation and despair.

Who directed The Madman?

Claude Goretta directed *The Madman (1971)*, bringing a raw, unflinching lens to its themes of economic hardship and psychological unraveling.

Who stars in The Madman?

The film stars François Simon as George, alongside Camille Fournier, Arnold Walter, and Pierre Walker in pivotal roles that ground the drama in emotional authenticity.

Is The Madman (1971) worth watching?

While not widely rated, *The Madman (1971)* offers a compelling, if bleak, exploration of mental strain and financial ruin. Its slow-burn intensity and strong performances make it a gripping watch for drama enthusiasts seeking something thought-provoking and unsettling.

How long is The Madman?

The Madman (1971) has a runtime of 87 minutes.

About The Madman (1971) — A Bleak Portrait of Financial Ruin and Mental Collapse

Claude Goretta's *The Madman (1971)* plunges viewers into the crumbling world of George, a middle-aged man pushed to the edge by financial ruin and personal despair. After a shady investment firm steals his life savings, George retreats into solitude with his disabled wife, grappling with isolation and the slow unraveling of his sanity. The film's stark atmosphere lingers in every frame, portraying desperation as a suffocating force that erases hope.

François Simon delivers a haunting performance as George, capturing the raw agony of a man stripped of purpose. The drama unfolds with quiet intensity, blending psychological tension with the bleak reality of economic collapse. Goretta crafts a gripping narrative that questions how far resilience can stretch before breaking, leaving audiences to ponder the fragility of the human mind.