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Poster for Contempt

Contempt

Seen it?

1963 | 103 min | Drama, Romance

Saturday Special

Why it’s a Saturday Special

Critics loved it (92% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest, despite a box office loss. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for romantics. If you loved Casablanca or Challengers, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Warm and romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 43 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1963: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Art film producer Jeremy Prokosch, unhappy with the work of his director, hires Fritz Lang (as himself) to direct an adaptation of The Odyssey, but when it seems that the legendary filmmaker is making a picture destined to bomb, he brings in a screenwriter to energise the script. The professional intersects with the personal when a rift develops between the writer and his wife.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    92% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.0 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $528K worldwide on a $900K budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 118K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Jean-Luc Godard

  • Brigitte BardotCamille Javal
  • Michel PiccoliPaul Javal
  • Jack PalanceJeremy Prokosch
  • Giorgia MollFrancesca Vanini
  • Fritz LangFritz Lang
  • Raoul CoutardCameraman
  • Jean-Luc GodardLang's Assistant Director
  • Linda VerasSirene