Arsène Lupin (2004 film)

Arsène Lupin is a 2004 French adventure crime film directed by Jean-Paul Salomé, based on the popular series of crime novels created by Maurice Leblanc. An international co-production of France, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom, the film stars Romain Duris, Kristin Scott Thomas and Pascal Greggory.[3]

Arsène Lupin
Theatrical release poster
Directed byJean-Paul Salomé
Written by
Based onArsène Lupin by Maurice Leblanc
Produced byStéphane Marsil
Starring
CinematographyPascal Ridao
Edited byMarie-Pierre Renaud
Music byDebbie Wiseman
Distributed bySociété nouvelle de distribution
Release date
  • 13 October 2004 (2004-10-13)
Running time
131 minutes
Countries
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • United Kingdom
LanguageFrench
Budget$20.4 million[1]
Box office$9.7 million[2]

Plot edit

The film follows gentleman thief Arsène Lupin from a small boy, through the death of his father, and his adult years when he meets the strange woman, Joséphine, who appears to be immortal and uses a hypnotic drug to enslave people to her will. Arsène's ethos is to steal from the rich and deserving crooks. In this film he comes up against two parties, a secret society and Joséphine, who are intent on gathering three crucifixes which will reveal the secret of a lost treasure which contains secrets about Mehdi.

Cast edit

Production edit

The film adapts elements from many of Leblanc's stories, including The Arrest of Arsène Lupin (the ship gala which introduces the adult Lupin), The Queen's Necklace (Lupin's childhood), Sherlock Holmes Arrives Too Late, The Hollow Needle (which provides the treasure that is a key component of the plot), 813, and The Countess Of Cagliostro (which brought over one of Lupin's recurring antagonists).

Reception edit

Lisa Nesselson of Variety dubbed the film, 'A thoroughly entertaining period romp bursting with intrigue'.[4] Empire awarded the film 3 out of five stars, criticizing Duris' performance, but complimenting the action and special effects.[5] Screen Daily praised the production values, but found the plot unclear.[6]

References edit

  1. ^ "Arsène Lupin (2004) - JPBox-Office".
  2. ^ "Arsène Lupin".
  3. ^ "The Adventures of Arsène Lupin | Film | the Guardian". TheGuardian.com. 21 July 2008.
  4. ^ "Arsene Lupin". 29 September 2004.
  5. ^ "Arséne Lupin".
  6. ^ "Arsene Lupin".

External links edit