The Elegant Criminal (1990) | Streaming Guide & Showtimes
The Elegant Criminal (1990) — On 9 January 1836, Pierre Lacenaire goes to the guillotine, a murderer and a thief.
The Elegant Criminal (1990) Storyline
On 9 January 1836, Pierre Lacenaire goes to the guillotine, a murderer and a thief. He gives Allard, a police inspector, his life story, written while awaiting execution. He also asks Allard to care for Hermine, a lass to whom he has been guardian for more than ten years. In flashbacks, from the prison as Lacenaire writes, from Allard's study as he and Hermine read, and from other readers' memory after the book is published, we see Lacenaire's childhood as he stands up to bullies, including priests, his youthful thieving, his first murder, his brief army career, his seduction of a princess, and his affair with Avril, a young man who dies beside him.
Full Cast & Crew
- Daniel Auteuil as Pierre-François Lacenaire
- Jean Poiret as Allard
- Jacques Weber as Jacques Arago
- François Périer as Lacenaire's father
- Geneviève Casile as Lacenaire's mother
- Jean Davy as Alphonse Damoiseau
- Jacques Duby as Marmignat
- Paul Le Person as Vigouroux
- Maïwenn as Hermine
- Jacques Sereys as Pertuizet
- Rufus as Canler
- Gérard Desarthe as Professor Tonnelier
- Jean-Damien Barbin as Baton
- Marie-Armelle Deguy as Princess Ida
- Samuel Labarthe as The abbot of Lusignan
Why Watch The Elegant Criminal?
The Vibe: The Elegant Criminal is a emotionally complex and thought-provoking drama movie that firmly establishes itself as a must-watch from 1990. The pacing and atmosphere are perfectly calibrated to keep you engaged from start to finish.
Fan Reception: While holding a polarized score of 5.3/10, it retains a dedicated audience who appreciate its specific stylistic choices and unique premise.
Who Should Watch It: Highly recommended for viewers who appreciate deep character studies and powerful performances. If you enjoy character-driven arcs layered with drama-specific tropes, this deserves a spot on your watchlist.
Movie Details & Production
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