Don't Touch The Axe [DVD]

Jacques Rivette's masterful film tells the tale of an ill-fated love affair between a Parisian socialite and a Napoleonic war hero. Their story unfolds amidst the extravagant balls of restoration-era Paris where the handsome General Armand de Montriveau (Guillaume Depardieu) encounters the beautiful, coquettish but married Antoinette de Langeais (Jeanne Balibar). Vowing that she will be his lover, Montriveau pursues the alluring Antoinette who in turn orchestrates a calculating game of seduction but repeatedly rebuffs his advances. Humiliated, Montriveau seeks revenge just as Antoinette's passion for him awakens, and a perverse romantic power struggle ensues. Once again adapting Balzac the source of his acclaimed 'La Belle Noiseuse' Rivette's subtle and superbly acted drama is a riveting exploration of the intricacies of love and desire. EXTRAS: Interviews with Jeanne Balibar, Guillaume Depardieu and set designer Manu de Chauvigny // Theatrical Trailer

A MASTERPIECE… SUPERB…Compelling from start to end --Time Out

Utterly compelling --The Times

Two commanding lead performances set the air buzzing with passion --Screen International

United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: LANGUAGES: French ( Dolby Digital 5.1 ), English ( Subtitles ), WIDESCREEN, SPECIAL FEATURES: Interactive Menu, Scene Access, Trailer(s), SYNOPSIS: Antoinette is the Duchess of Langeais, a married coquette who frequents the mostextravagant balls in 1820's Paris during The Restoration, where hypocrisy and vanityreign. Upon the handsome general Armand de Montriveau's first meeting with her, herealized it was true love. Flattered by his attentions, the alluring Antoinette orchestratesa calculating game of seduction, but she repeatedly refuses Montriveau. Despite hissincere romantic declarations, Montriveau's passion remains unfulfilled. When thehumiliated Montriveau eventually seeks his revenge, Antoinette's love finally awakens.But it may well be too late for the star-crossed lovers. SCREENED/AWARDED AT: Berlin International Film Festival, ...Don't Touch the Axe ( Ne touchez pas la hache ) ( La Duchessa di Langeais )