- Thierry Lhermitte, an icon of French comedy, delivers a shockingly powerful dramatic performance in the 2002 thriller “Une affaire privée” (A Private Affair).
- The film boasts a stellar supporting cast, including a notable performance from Marion Cotillard early in her rise to stardom.
- Directed by Guillaume Nicloux, this critically-acclaimed neo-noir follows a jaded private detective entangled in a mysterious disappearance.
- Despite rave reviews upon its release, the film was a box office disappointment, cementing its status as a hidden gem ripe for rediscovery.
A Side of Thierry Lhermitte You’ve Never Seen
For decades, the name Thierry Lhermitte has been synonymous with laughter in French cinema. His roles in beloved comedies like “Les Bronzés” and “Le Dîner de cons” have cemented his status as a comedic legend. However, in 2002, director Guillaume Nicloux dared to cast him against type in the dark, gritty thriller “Une affaire privée,” and the result is nothing short of breathtaking.
In this labyrinthine film, Lhermitte portrays a disillusioned private investigator who, six months after a young woman vanishes, is hired by her mother to reopen the case. What follows is a descent into a shadowy world of complex characters and unsettling secrets, a journey that begins to blur the lines of his own private life. Nicloux, who cites classics like Robert Altman’s “The Long Goodbye” and Alan J. Pakula’s “Klute” as influences, took a gamble on Lhermitte. He explained, “I love counter-casting in cinema… I need gray areas, I expect to be surprised.” The gamble paid off, unlocking a raw and intense performance that remains one of the best of Lhermitte’s career.
A Constellation of Stars
While Lhermitte’s performance is the magnetic center of the film, he is surrounded by a magnificent gallery of talent. The cast features a remarkable lineup of French acting heavyweights, including Jean-Pierre Darroussin, Niels Arestrup, Jeanne Balibar, and Frédéric Diefenthal. Most notably, the film features a captivating performance from Marion Cotillard, showcasing the immense talent that would soon make her an international superstar.
A Critical Darling, A Box Office Ghost
“Une affaire privée” was a massive success with critics, earning widespread acclaim for its clever script, tense atmosphere, and Lhermitte’s transformative role. It received an impressive average press rating of 3.9 out of 5, a clear sign of its quality and impact. However, this critical adoration did not translate into commercial success. The film struggled at the box office, attracting only 450,000 viewers upon its theatrical release.
This discrepancy has turned “Une affaire privée” into a quintessential cult classic—a forgotten masterpiece waiting to be found. It stands as a testament to the versatility of a beloved actor and serves as a must-see for fans of French cinema and engrossing thrillers. If you want to be truly surprised by an actor you thought you knew, this is the film to watch.