Coupe-franche (1989)
Directed by Jean-Pierre Sauné

Film Review

This moody, emotionally charged drama is a promising first film from director Jean-Pierre Sauné.  The melancholic beauty of the rural location, filmed lovingly by Philippe Théaudière, gives body and layers of meaning to what would otherwise have been a pretty conventional French romantic drama.  Although the acting isn't faultless, the characters are generally well-drawn and portrayed with great conviction and sympathy.  Pierre-Loup Rajot, who plays the central character François, shows great promise as a serious film actor.  Actor-turned-singer Serge Reggiani appears briefly in the film, in one of his last film roles.   Reggiani also sings the haunting ballad which accompanies the film's closing credits.

Film Synopsis

Recently released from prison, a young man, François, hopes to make a fresh start in a small community in the French Pyrenees.  There he is met by Gyuri, the man who brought him up as a child, and through whom he finds employment at the local sawmill.  The mill is owned by Mathieu and managed by his son-in-law Pierre Favier.  Despite his desire to settle down and avoid causing trouble, François cannot help being drawn to Pierre's young wife, Marie…