Secret Défense (1998)

83% of critics liked it
(12 reviews)
81% of users liked it
(376 ratings)

Innovative director Jacques Rivette created the memorable, multi-leveled classic Celine and Julie Go Boating (1974), seemingly the inspiration for Susan Seidelman's Desperately Seeking Susan (1985). Rivette generates a far-different mood in this French-Swiss-Italian murder mystery. Medical… More Innovative director Jacques Rivette created the memorable, multi-leveled classic Celine and Julie Go Boating (1974), seemingly the inspiration for Susan Seidelman's Desperately Seeking Susan (1985). Rivette generates a far-different mood in this French-Swiss-Italian murder mystery. Medical researcher Sylvie (Sandrine Bonnaire) is keeping late lab hours when she catches her brother Paul (Gregoire Colin) with her gun. Having discovered a five-year-old photo with new evidence of their father's death, Paul wants to kill Walser (Jerzy Radziwilowicz), who now heads their dad's high-tech company. To protect Paul, Sylvie decides to kill Walser herself, and she boards the train for Walser's country estate. But is Walser guilty? ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 2 hr. 53 min.
Directed By: Jacques Rivette
Genres: Art House & International, Drama

In Theaters: Nov 19, 1999 Wide
On DVD: Jan 2, 2002
Studio: Leonor Films

Critic Reviews

Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
The brooding intimations of Greek tragedy are part of what keeps this 170-minute thriller fascinating throughout.
Stephen Holden, New York Times
As the glacially paced film inches forward with its halting conversations and accusatory glances, it tests your patience. And when the truth ultimately tumbles out and more violence erupts, don't expect a catharsis.
J. Hoberman, Village Voice
Hermetic and somewhat opaque, this perfectly symmetrical tragedy is not for every taste. For those willing to enter the Rivette zone, however, it's a chess puzzle devised by a grand master.
, Film4
Thanks to Bonnaire's characteristically intelligent performance, the circumlocutions hold some interest, proving again that since her discovery by Pialat she has become the most uncompromising of French actresses.
Ken Fox, TV Guide's Movie Guide
The film will either draw you in (as Rivette's best films can), or simply wear you out.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
Rivette stretches the proceedings out to 2 hours and 45 minutes, gradually revealing little bits of the puzzle to us and ending on a perfect, sublime note.
, Time Out
For all its mysteries, the movie thoroughly repudiates suspense.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, San Francisco Examiner
An icy thriller from Rivette.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Sandrine Bonnaire is a good reason to see this unconventional thriller that isn't quite a thriller -- yet it is.
Jeremy Heilman, MovieMartyr.com
Rivette uses this time to flesh out his characters and their actions to the point where the movie feels closer to a novel than cinema.
David Parkinson, Empire Magazine
Yes, it's long, but Bonnaire holds it together with a statuesques and human performance, and whilst not Rivette's best, this is still a fascinating example of his work.

Read all 11 critic reviews

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Cast

Sandrine Bonnaire
as Sylvie
Jerzy Radziwilowicz
as Walser
Laure Marsac
as Ludivine

See full cast

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