Confessions d'un Barjo
Encyclopedia
Confessions d'un Barjo is a 1992 French
film adaptation of Philip K. Dick
's non-science fiction novel Confessions of a Crap Artist
, originally written in 1959
and published in 1975
, the only non-science fiction novel of Dick's to be published in his lifetime. The film was directed by Jérôme Boivin and written by Jacques Audiard
and Jérôme Boivin, and stars Anne Brochet, Richard Bohringer
and Hippolyte Girardot
. "Barjo" translates as "nutcase," "nut job" or "crap artist".
) is eccentric, naive and obsessive. After he accidentally burns down his house during a "scientific" experiment, he moves in with his impulsive twin sister Fanfan (Anne Brochet), who is married to Charles "the Aluminum King" (Richard Bohringer
). In his new surroundings, Barjo continues his old habits: cataloging old science magazines, testing bizarre inventions and filling his notebooks with his observations about human behavior and his thoughts about the end of the world. Through Barjo's journals we see the development of conflict and sexual tension between Fanfan and Charles, and the descent of Charles into madness.
Cinema of France
The Cinema of France comprises the art of film and creative movies made within the nation of France or by French filmmakers abroad.France is the birthplace of cinema and was responsible for many of its early significant contributions. Several important cinematic movements, including the Nouvelle...
film adaptation of Philip K. Dick
Philip K. Dick
Philip Kindred Dick was an American novelist, short story writer and essayist whose published work is almost entirely in the science fiction genre. Dick explored sociological, political and metaphysical themes in novels dominated by monopolistic corporations, authoritarian governments and altered...
's non-science fiction novel Confessions of a Crap Artist
Confessions of a Crap Artist
Confessions of a Crap Artist is a 1975 novel by Philip K. Dick, originally written in 1959. Dick wrote about a dozen non-science fiction novels in the period from 1948 to 1960; this is the only one published during his lifetime....
, originally written in 1959
1959 in literature
The year 1959 in literature involved some significant events and new books.-Events:*April 30 - Theatrical première of Bertolt Brecht's Saint Joan of the Stockyards, originally performed on radio in 1932....
and published in 1975
1975 in literature
The year 1975 in literature involved some significant events and new books.-Events:* August 12 — with the 20-year time limit stipulated by Thomas Mann at his death having expired, sealed packets containing 32 of the author's notebooks were opened in Zurich, Switzerland.* Writing under the...
, the only non-science fiction novel of Dick's to be published in his lifetime. The film was directed by Jérôme Boivin and written by Jacques Audiard
Jacques Audiard
Jacques Audiard is a French film director, the son of Michel Audiard, also a notable screenwriter and film director.He won twice both the César Award for Best Film and the BAFTA Award for Best Film not in the English Language, in 2005 for The Beat That My Heart Skipped and in 2010 for A Prophet...
and Jérôme Boivin, and stars Anne Brochet, Richard Bohringer
Richard Bohringer
Richard Bohringer is a French actor.-Personal life:Bohringer was born in Moulins, Allier. He is the father of actress Romane Bohringer, and has two other children, Richard and Lou.-Career:...
and Hippolyte Girardot
Hippolyte Girardot
Hippolyte Girardot is a French actor.He is not related to the actress Annie Girardot.-Selected filmography:* 1973: La Femme de Jean, directed by Yannick Bellon, Rémi...
. "Barjo" translates as "nutcase," "nut job" or "crap artist".
Plot
Barjo (Hippolyte GirardotHippolyte Girardot
Hippolyte Girardot is a French actor.He is not related to the actress Annie Girardot.-Selected filmography:* 1973: La Femme de Jean, directed by Yannick Bellon, Rémi...
) is eccentric, naive and obsessive. After he accidentally burns down his house during a "scientific" experiment, he moves in with his impulsive twin sister Fanfan (Anne Brochet), who is married to Charles "the Aluminum King" (Richard Bohringer
Richard Bohringer
Richard Bohringer is a French actor.-Personal life:Bohringer was born in Moulins, Allier. He is the father of actress Romane Bohringer, and has two other children, Richard and Lou.-Career:...
). In his new surroundings, Barjo continues his old habits: cataloging old science magazines, testing bizarre inventions and filling his notebooks with his observations about human behavior and his thoughts about the end of the world. Through Barjo's journals we see the development of conflict and sexual tension between Fanfan and Charles, and the descent of Charles into madness.
Cast
- Richard BohringerRichard BohringerRichard Bohringer is a French actor.-Personal life:Bohringer was born in Moulins, Allier. He is the father of actress Romane Bohringer, and has two other children, Richard and Lou.-Career:...
as Charles - Anne Brochet as Fanfan
- Hippolyte GirardotHippolyte GirardotHippolyte Girardot is a French actor.He is not related to the actress Annie Girardot.-Selected filmography:* 1973: La Femme de Jean, directed by Yannick Bellon, Rémi...
as Barjo - Consuelo De Haviland as Madame Hermelin
- Renaud Danner as Michel
- Nathalie Boutefeu as Gwen
- Jac Berrocal as Mage Gerardini
- El Kebir as Le gardien de l'usine
- Louise-Laure Mariani as Petite fille
- Gilliane Sanki as Petite fille
- Camille Gentet as Fanfan enfant
- Charles-Elie Rouart as Barjo enfant
- Lise Péault as Irene Siccora
- Bertie Cortez as Capitaine Cosmo
- Anne Bailly as La femme métal
- Jean-Louis Lapassade as Le père
- Stéphanie Nataf as L'infirmière chef
- Olivier Coutard as Un pilote du vaisseau spatial
- Jean-Pascal Chalard as Un pilote du vaisseau spatial
- Yves Boivin as Cosmonaute chef
- Roy Lekus as Marmiton
- Jean-François Pierrard as Un invité au mariage
- Alain Robak as Infirmier