Shock Treatment (1973)

Shock Treatment Poster
Original Title: Traitement de choc

Hélène Masson visits her friend Gérôme Savignat in the isolated rejuvenation clinic owned by Dr. Devilers and his partner Dr. Berbard. But after a series of tragic events, Hélène goes further in her investigation of the clinic.

Film Overview
"Shock Treatment" is a French-Italian secret thriller film launched in 1973. Directed by Alain Jessua and co-written by Jessua and Roger Curel, the film stars Alain Delon, Annie Girardot, and Robert Hirsch. It presents a darkly satirical picture of modern-day society's obsession with youth, appeal, and the extreme lengths people will go to maintain them.

Plot Summary
Alain Delon plays the character of Doctor Devilers, a conniving and amoral plastic surgeon who operates a high-end appeal clinic on a high-end yacht anchored off the Mediterranean coast. His customers consists of abundant and well-known people eager to purchase immortality and youth. Physician Devilers offers severe rejuvenation procedures, declaring to use a revolutionary, unapproved serum that works miracles, efficiently detaining and even reversing the aging process.

The story occurs when Devilers fulfills Franz (Robert Hirsch), a timid, aberrant television producer who is going to for a documentary and becomes obsessed with the younger and gorgeous results the medical professional's treatment pledges. Devilers encourages Franz to undergo the treatment, resorting to mental manipulation.

Mystery and Suspense
As the film advances, there are signs that not whatever is as it seems. A couple of the aged clients inexplicably disappear, and troubling events occur, hinting that the appeal treatments have dreadful side effects. A sense of secret and stress and anxiety constructs as Hélène (Annie Girardot), Devilers's assistant and fan, finds that her enthusiast's treatments are being kept secret even from her. She becomes suspicious and significantly tormented, adding to the unsettling atmosphere.

Climax and Resolution
Hélène's intent on deciphering the reality leads her to a stunning discovery, for this reason the film's title 'Shock Treatment.' She discovers that Devilers is not enhancing the serum, but murdering his clients when they show extreme defects and dealing with their bodies. The film reaches its climax when Hélène exposes Devilers for his heinous crimes. Franz, the as soon as timid producer, too comes down with Devilers' "treatment", ending in a transformative state. The story fires up questions on vanity, hesitation about the dreadfully profitable beauty industry, and the ominous undertones of undoubted modern practices.

Conclusion and Reception
"Shock Treatment" concludes on a significant note with Hélène and Franz trying to damage the operation and bring Devilers' reign of terror to an end. The movie received a blended response from the audience due to its dark story and unknown execution. Nevertheless, it valued for its vital commentary on society's fascination with youth and beauty, and its sobering suggestion of the dangers and consequences of such a fascination.

In spite of its disturbing story, "Shock Treatment" stands as a significant example of suspense and mystery movie theater, welcoming viewers to ponder life's unassailable realities and the blurred lines in between morality and obsession. Combining suspense, mystery, and an ingrained review of modern society, "Shock Treatment" is a thought-provoking movie that appeals to the discerning viewer.

Top Cast

  • Annie Girardot (small)
    Annie Girardot
    Hélène
  • Alain Delon (small)
    Alain Delon
    Devilers
  • Robert Hirsch (small)
    Robert Hirsch
    Gérôme
  • Michel Duchaussoy (small)
    Michel Duchaussoy
    Bernard
  • Anna Gaylor (small)
    Anna Gaylor
    Denise
  • Jean-François Calvé (small)
    Jean-François Calvé
    Me René Gassin
  • Guy Saint-Jean
    The cafe owner
  • Lucienne Legrand (small)
    Lucienne Legrand
    Lise de Riberolle
  • Gabriel Cattand (small)
    Gabriel Cattand
    Prosecutor of Boissiere
  • Anne-Marie Deschodt (small)
    Anne-Marie Deschodt
    Henriette Lussac
  • Nicole Gueden (small)
    Nicole Gueden
    The cafe owner's wife