Colonel Chabert (1994 film)
Le Colonel Chabert (English title Colonel Chabert) is a 1994 French historical drama film directed by Yves Angelo and starring Grard Depardieu, Fanny Ardant and Fabrice Luchini. It is based on the novel Le Colonel Chabert by Honor de Balzac. In Paris, in February 1817, three years after the fall
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Synopsis

In Paris, in February 1817, three years after the fall of the Empire, the lawyer Derville receives a visit from a shabbily dressed old man. He claims to be Colonel Chabert, believed dead at the Battle of Eylau in 1807. He had contributed to the victory by leading a famous cavalry charge against the Russians.

The old man tells how, waking in a mass grave surrounded by corpses, he survived his wounds.

He has returned ten years later and wishes to claim his title, to assert his rights and to live again with his wife. She, during his absence, has married Count Ferraud.

She refuses to recognise her first husband. Derville agrees to help the colonel by proposing a financial settlement with his ex-wife. She refuses and tries to manipulate her ex-husband. Chabert is not deceived, and disgusted by the corruption of men, he sinks into madness and misanthropy, putting an end to the divorce that he had wanted so much.

Rejected by his wife, and condemned for vagrancy, Colonel Chabert will finish his life in poverty in an asylum.

Cast

Gérard Depardieu : Hyacinthe Chabert

Fabrice Luchini : Maître Derville

Fanny Ardant : Countess Ferraud

André Dussollier : Count Ferraud

Daniel Prévost : Boucard

Olivier Saladin : Huré

Maxime Leroux : Godeschal

Éric Elmosnino : Maître Desroches

Guillaume Romain : Simonin

Patrick Bordier : Boutin

Claude Rich : Chamblin

Jean Cosmos : Costaz

Jacky Nercessian : Delbecq

Albert Delpy : Maître Roguin

Romane Bohringer : Sophie

Valérie Bettencourt : Julie

Julie Depardieu : A maid

Production

Direction : Yves Angelo, assisted by Frédéric Blum

Script : Yves Angelo, Jean Cosmos and Véronique Lagrange, from the novel by Honoré de Balzac

Production : Jean-Louis Livi and Bernard Marescot

Music : Régis Pasquier

Photography : Bernard Lutic

Editing : Thierry Derocles

Scenery : Bernard Vézat (certain interior scenes filmed at Château de Bizy in Vernon, Eure)

Costumes : Franca Squarciapino

Awards and nominations

Cairo Film Festival (Egypt)

Won: Golden Pyramid (Yves Angelo)

César Awards (France)

Nominated: Best Actor – Leading Role (Gérard Depardieu)

Nominated: Best Actor – Supporting Role (Fabrice Luchini)

Nominated: Best Cinematography (Bernard Lutic)

Nominated: Best Costume Design (Franca Squarciapino)

Nominated: Best First Work (Yves Angelo)

Nominated: Best Production Design (Bernard Vézat)