Isabelle Huppert’s Lesser-Known Gems: A Look at Four Underrated Films

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L'AMOUR... L’AMOUR avec Isabelle Huppert et Jeanne Moreau © MACT Productions/KSAND Films
L'AMOUR... L’AMOUR avec Isabelle Huppert et Jeanne Moreau © MACT Productions/KSAND Films

From overlooked gems to iconic performances, explore Isabelle Huppert's versatility in French cinema with these four hidden treasures—now streaming on TV5MONDEplus!

 

Copyright disclosure for main image of this article:
L'AMOUR... L’AMOUR avec Isabelle Huppert et Jeanne Moreau © MACT Productions/KSAND Films

Isabelle Huppert has long been a prominent figure in French cinema. The French actress is known for her nuanced performances in high-profile films like Michael Haneke's The Piano Teacher (La Pianiste), Claude Chabrol's La Cérémonie and Paul Verhoeven's Elle. However, some of her best work has flown under the radar, with lesser-known gems that are worth a watch. From quirky comedies to dark dramas, here’s a look at four such films that showcase her range without the usual Cannes fanfare: Par Coeurs (Heartstrings), Violette Nozière, Home, and Sans Queue Ni Tête (No Strings Attached).

Par Cœurs (By Heart – 2022)

Directed by Benoît Jacquot, Par Coeurs (By Heart) is an intimate documentary that provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of Isabelle Huppert and Fabrice Luchini as they prepare for a stage performance. The film showcases the actors rehearsing texts by Marguerite Duras and Gustave Flaubert, blending the boundaries between performance and personal introspection. It’s a meditative piece that celebrates the craft of acting and the passion required to bring literature to life on stage.

Huppert and Luchini’s natural charisma and deep engagement with the texts form the heart of the film. Viewers are drawn into their creative process, watching as they explore the nuances of language and character. The stripped-down, minimalistic approach of the documentary focuses solely on the power of words and the dedication of two iconic actors.

Par Cœurs was praised by critics for its elegance and subtlety. It found its audience among lovers of French cinema and theater, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of film, literature, and stagecraft. Though not a mainstream release, it highlighted Isabelle Huppert’s versatility and her unwavering commitment to her art.

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Violette Nozière (Violette Nozière – 1978)

Now here’s one where Huppert didn’t just show up and do her thing—she won for it. In Violette Nozière, she plays the real-life figure of Violette, a young woman in 1930s France who was convicted of poisoning her parents. The film is based on the true story of Violette Nozière, whose dark, troubled life became a point of national scandal. Isabelle Huppert brings an unsettling yet empathetic portrayal of Violette, capturing the nuances of a young woman caught between her troubled relationship with her parents and her own internalized rage.

Directed by Claude Chabrol, a master of psychological drama, the film is chilling, but Huppert’s performance injects a level of humanity into her character that makes it impossible to view her simply as a villain. For her role, she took home the Best Actress award at the Berlin Film Festival, and at the Cannes Film Festival a major win at the time, and rightly so. Critics praised the depth Isabelle Huppert brought to what could have been a one-dimensional character.

While Violette Nozière didn’t make waves internationally, it did well in France and has remained a standout in the history of French cinema. The film earned a solid reputation for its thought-provoking exploration of family dynamics and youth rebellion, alongside Huppert’s exceptional performance.

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Home (Home – 2008)

Home, directed by Ursula Meier, is a gripping and unusual family drama that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. The story revolves around a family who has built their lives next to an abandoned highway, living peacefully in isolation. However, their world is turned upside down when the highway unexpectedly becomes operational, and their once-quiet home is now plagued by constant traffic. The French actress plays the matriarch, Marthe, who struggles to hold her family together as their idyllic life spirals into chaos.

The cast includes Olivier Gourmet as Marthe’s pragmatic husband, Michel, and Adèle Haenel as their eldest daughter, Judith. Isabelle Huppert’s performance stands out as she subtly portrays Marthe’s descent into paranoia and desperation, capturing the psychological toll of the family’s unraveling life.

Home received critical acclaim for its inventive premise and striking visuals, with reviewers praising its blend of domestic drama and social commentary. The film won several awards, including the Swiss Film Prize for Best Film, and was nominated for the Lumières Award for Best Francophone Film. While not a massive box office success, it resonated with art-house audiences and remains a hidden gem in Huppert’s extensive filmography.

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Sans Queue Ni Tête (Special Treatment – 2010)

Directed by Jeanne Labrune, Sans Queue Ni Tête (Special Treatment) offers a unique and thought-provoking look at the intersection of therapy and sex work. Isabelle Huppert stars as Alice, a high-end escort who begins to question her profession and sense of identity. Alongside her is Bouli Lanners, who plays Xavier, a disillusioned psychoanalyst grappling with his own struggles. Their lives intertwine when Alice seeks his professional help, sparking a fascinating exploration of self-awareness and emotional healing.

The film uses dark humor and candid dialogue to explore themes of human connection and personal reinvention, with Huppert delivering a measured and introspective performance. Critics noted the film’s offbeat tone and appreciated its nuanced approach to taboo subjects, although it didn’t achieve mainstream success.

While Sans Queue Ni Tête was not a box office hit, it resonated with fans of Huppert’s more understated and cerebral roles. Her portrayal of Alice brought depth and complexity to a character navigating personal and professional crossroads, making it an intriguing addition to her filmography.

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While Isabelle Huppert is perhaps best known for her intense performances in high-profile films like The Piano Teacher (La Pianiste), La Dentelière (The Lacemaker) and Elle, her lesser-known work is equally deserving of attention. Whether she’s exploring the psychological complexity of a troubled young woman in Violette Nozière, or keeping her cool in the surreal chaos of Sans Queue Ni Tête, Huppert continues to show her versatility and commitment to diverse material.

These films may not have earned her the same level of recognition as some of her other works, but they are filled with interesting, often overlooked performances that are worth watching. So, if you’re a fan of Isabelle Huppert or just a lover of French cinema, these lesser-known gems are worth your time. From quiet dramas to quirky comedies, there’s a little something for everyone in Huppert’s rich and varied filmography.

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