Iconic is a perfect word to describe Isabelle Adjani. The French actress had a face and persona you were unlikely to forget in a hurry. She had sex appeal and wasn’t afraid to use it, but what made her such a charismatic actor was her innate talent and ability to leave a lasting emotional impression. Roles in the likes of Possession, La Reine Margot, The Tenant, Camille Claudel and Quartet cemented her reputation as a great. She remains the only actor to win five César Awards. One was for One Deadly Summer.
When the striking ‘Elle’ (Adjani) and her conservative mother (Maria Machado) arrive in his small town, ‘Pin-Pon’s’ (Alain Souchon) life is suddenly transformed. The shy mechanic is smitten and determined to woo her. Initially, she seems disinterested but that all changes when she discovers that his father was an Italian immigrant and learns of the strange provenance behind the family’s piano.
One Deadly Summer starts out as an amiable French comedy before going down a strange and unexpected path. Whilst the cast is all strong it’s Adjani who steals every scene. She’s like a force of nature and it’s almost impossible to take your eyes off of her. Based on Sébastien Japrisot’s novel it was a huge domestic box office hit and it’s easy to see why. With One Deadly Summer director Jean Becker has conjured up a riveting mystery and a powerful drama.
Special features:
• 2K scan and restoration
• High definition Blu-ray (1080p) and standard definition DVD presentations
• Interview with director Jean Becker (28 mins)
• Documentary on the author of the original novel, screenwriter Sébastien
Japrisot, known as the Graham Greene of France (43 mins)
• New, improved English subtitles
One Deadly Summer is released on Dual Format DVD and Blu-ray by Cult Films on 27 July.
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