Death in a French Garden () is a 1985 French drama film directed by Michel Deville. It was entered into the 35th Berlin International Film Festival.

Plot

David Aurphet, a struggling guitar teacher, is invited to give lessons to Viviane Tombsthay, the daughter of a well-to-do couple. The wife, Julia, commences an affair with him while Viviane and a neighbour, Edwige, proposition him. Later, David is robbed but is rescued by a stranger, Daniel Forest, whom he has seen hanging around near the Tombsthay's property. Daniel admits to being a contract killer who is on a job and suggests that the robbery is a cover for someone who wishes to injure David's hand, such as a jealous husband.

Death in a French Garden

David receives an anonymous video tape with evidence of his affair; Julia says she has received one, too. He tells Edwige about the video but not about Julia. After he finds that someone has been at his house, he asks Daniel to stay overnight just in case. Julia appears and invites David to her home as her husband is away. After she leaves, Daniel tells David that Julia's husband, Graham, is his intended target. He warns David to be wary of Graham and suggest he avoids Julia for a while. When David refuses, Daniel gives him a hand gun for protection.

Death in a French Garden

David arrives but finds Graham there wanting to kill him. David shoots him. Julia advises David to leave and he seeks refuge with Edwige. She shows him a video that shows that he only injured Graham, who was later killed by Julia.

Death in a French Garden

David is later threatened by Daniel over some missing microfilm. David kills him and leaves the area with Viviane.

Cast

Anémone as Edwige Ledieu

Richard Bohringer as Daniel Forest

Nicole Garcia as Julia Tombsthay

Christophe Malavoy as David Aurphet

Michel Piccoli as Graham Tombsthay

Anaïs Jeanneret as Vivianne Tombsthay

Jean-Claude Jay as Father

Hélène Roussel as Mother

Franck de la Personne as Guitar dealer

Élisabeth Vitali as Waitress

Daniel Vérité as Attacker

References

External links

1985 films

1985 drama films

1980s French-language films

French drama films

Films directed by Michel Deville

Adultery in films

Gaumont Film Company films

Films whose director won the Best Director César Award

1980s French films