Les Aventures de Robert Macaire
Jean Epstein, FR 1925Screenplay: Charles Vayre, based on a play by Benjamin Antier, among others; Cinematography: Paul Guichard, Jehan Fouquet, Nicolas Roudakoff; Cast: Jean Angelo, Susanne Bianchetti, Nino Costantini, Camille Bardou, Marquisette Bosky. DCP (from 35mm), bw, 200 min. French intertitles with English subtitles
As an adolescent, Jean Epstein loved the books about Arsène Lupin and Fantômas and paid cinematic tribute to the tradition with this epic about the adventures of gentleman crook Robert Macaire, which begin when he and his assistant rescue a young girl who has fallen from her horse. Epstein's film also corresponds to the silent film serial in terms of length, although his five chapters – with a characteristic jump in time in the middle – actually tell an ongoing story and not individual adventures. (C.H.) Henri Langlois in 1953: "Strangely enough, Les Aventures de Robert Macaire is never mentioned when people talk about Epstein, although it's an absolute classic. The film doesn't contain a single digression, it is entirely immaculate. A whole era and its romantic spirit are captured in convincing fashion. The film is lively, refined; it is intellectual and stylistically much more modern than most of the films of today. It is Epstein's most authentic film – the selection of the landscapes, how close the supporting characters are to reality, Mercier's carefully crafted interiors, all details, even down to the faux naivety and levity, that serve to submerge us completely in the spirit of the age."
Courtesy Cinémathèque française
Screening dates:
Sa 25.10.2025 11:00
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No reservations accepted for screenings from October 17 to 28; special ticket regulations apply during the Viennale. Tickets are available exclusively at the Viennale box offices, via telephone at 01/526 594 769 or via www.viennale.at.