L'Assommoir

A slow, grim descent into addiction and ruin, performed with theatrical intensity and silent-era gravity—watching it feels like witnessing a tragedy you cannot stop.

Directed by

Albert Capellani

Genres

Drama

Starring

Alexandre Arquillière, Jacques Grétillat, Jacques Varennes

Overview

Everyman Coupeau's attempts to stop drinking are routinely thwarted by the wicked and vengeful Virginie. Based on Zola's novel, Capellani's film is about the free fall of a group of working-class French folk into degradation and tragedy due to carelessness, jealousy, and alcohol abuse. At the time of its release, L'Assommoir was hugely successful.

How it feels

Dark, bleak and melancholic. Slow-burning and needs your attention.

About

Addiction, grief, revenge, betrayal

Content

Mild violence, gore and sexual content. No swearing.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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