Titane
French thriller connecting serial killing and automobiles
About Titane
Released: 2021
Platform: Hulu
Rating: R
Run time: 1h 48m
Cast
Vincent Lindon, Agathe Rousselle, Garance Marillier, Laïs Salameh, Bertrand Bonello
About Titane
Titane is a 2021 French-Belgian body horror film directed and written by Julia Ducournau. The movie revolves around Alexia, a woman with a titanium plate in her head and a peculiar and intense bond with cars, and Vincent, a grieving fire chief who becomes an unlikely surrogate father. The story combines elements of body horror, climate fiction and psychodrama, offering a truly unique cinematic experience. It could be interpreted as a story about identity, transformation, love, and queer acceptance told in a radically new way.
Making / Production
The movie is produced by Jean Christophe Reymond and directed by Julia Ducournau, the Palme d'Or winner at the Cannes Film Festival 2021. Ducournau, known for her innovative storytelling, has skillfully tackled a multitude of genres in this film. The shooting, taking place mainly in France, commenced in late 2019 and concluded by early 2020.
Actors
- Agathe Rousselle as Alexia / Adrien: In her debut feature film, Rousselle plunges into the deep end in an intensely physical performance. It's a transformative role, requiring Rousselle to portray both horror and vulnerability.
- Vincent Lindon as Vincent: Lindon is a leading figure in French cinema and his portrayal of a grief-stricken fire chief is heart-rending. His relationship with Alexia forms the crux of the movie's emotional core.
- Garance Marillier as Justine: Marillier emotionally portrays a young woman grappling with her unsettling circumstances. Her nuanced performance adds an interesting layer to the film.
Trivia / Interesting Facts
- The title Titane refers to the titanium plate in the protagonist's head, which, in turn, refers to her affinity with automobiles.
- Titane is Julia Ducournau's second feature film. Her debut, Raw, also explored themes of body horror.
- The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2021 and was met with both critical acclaim and controversy for its graphic depiction of violence and bodily transformation.
Awards
Titane won the coveted Palme d'Or at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, making Julia Ducournau only the second female director to win the award in the festival's history.
Quotes
- "Why do you think I'm a murderer?" – Alexia
- "You have no idea how much I missed you." – Vincent
Music, Soundtrack
- The score of Titane was composed by Jim Williams, adding a haunting element to the movie's dark themes.
- The soundtrack complements the film's unsettling atmosphere and creates suspense that heightens the viewing experience.
About Titane
Titane, a French film, unravels a young woman's quest for identity amidst striking chaos after she gets a titanium plate implanted in her head.