The Hurried Man (1977)

The Hurried Man Poster
Original Title: L'Homme pressé

Art collector Pierre Niox (Alain Delon) rushes through life, lives a frantic life, does everything in full speed -- searching for and acquiring works of art or real estate, marrying or even dying -- and in total disregard for any kind of morality. His misdeeds finally turn on him and destroy him.

Introduction
"The Hurried Man" (L'homme pressé) is a French drama film, directed by Édouard Molinaro and launched in 1977. The movie stars Alain Delon, Mireille Darc, and Michel Aumont. It is an adjustment of the novel of the exact same name by Paul Morand, which follows the story of an effective entrepreneur, Pierre Niox, who remains in a continuous race versus time in his personal and expert life.

Plot Synopsis
The film presents Pierre Niox (Alain Delon), an extremely successful antiquarian, who is constantly on the relocation. He drives his cars and trucks recklessly, carries out company meetings while running, and has no time at all for leisure or relaxation. Pierre's sole focus in life is accomplishing his objectives as quickly as possible, and he has amassed a fortune and developed an effective empire through this approach.

In spite of his wealth and success, Pierre has problems in his personal life. He stops working to keep romantic relationships due to his inability to extra time for his partners and his intense personality. Pierre's friend, Alexis Vandale (Michel Aumont), is stressed over the toll Pierre's way of life is taking on his mental and physical health. Alexis, a knowledgeable psychiatrist, tries to deter Pierre from continuing this way of life, but Pierre is stubborn and dismisses his pal's concerns.

Pierre comes across Hedwige (Mireille Darc), the daughter of an esteemed antique collector, during an organization deal including an uncommon painting. The gorgeous and mystical Hedwige differs from any other female Pierre has actually ever fulfilled, and he is instantly captivated by her. Regardless of his best efforts, Pierre's busy schedule and rushed nature prevent him from pursuing a meaningful relationship with Hedwige.

In a bid to change Pierre's ways, Alexis presents him to a new patient, a strange female named Edith who declares to be a time-traveler from the year 1,000,000. Edith tells Pierre that his obsession with speed will result in his downfall and shares her own experiences from her time-travels. Interested by Edith's warnings, Pierre begins to question his own way of life.

Key Themes and Symbolism
The Hurried Man is a movie that critiques contemporary society's fascination with time, efficiency, and wealth at the expense of personal relationships and mental well-being. Pierre's life serves as a cautionary tale, showing how an individual's constant pursuit of success can cause emptiness and frustration.

Time is a main style in the film, especially through Pierre's failure to appreciate the present minute. His obsession with accomplishing goals as quickly as possible alienates him from others and avoids him from forming genuine connections. The character of Edith, the time-traveler, works as a reminder that time is a complex and subjective principle.

In addition, the film explores the idea of fate and whether one can alter their fate. Pierre's encounter with Edith forces him to challenge the possibility that his actions may cause his own destruction. The supreme message of the movie is clear: living a frenzied, rushed life driven by the constant pursuit of success will ultimately show unfulfilling and empty.

Reception and Legacy
The Hurried Man received combined reviews upon its release, with some critics applauding its thought-provoking themes and the performances of Alain Delon and Mireille Darc, while others slammed the film's pacing and plot structure. However, the movie has actually gathered a cult following over the years as a distinct exploration of the impact contemporary society can have on individual relationships, mental health, and our understanding of time.

In lots of methods, The Hurried Man acts as a precursor to modern discussions about the significance of mindfulness and living in today moment. The film acts as a pointer that our obsession with success and productivity can eventually lead to a life lacking significance and authentic connections, making it a thought-provoking and relevant movie even four decades after its initial release.

Top Cast

  • Alain Delon (small)
    Alain Delon
    Pierre Niox
  • Mireille Darc (small)
    Mireille Darc
    Edwige
  • Michel Duchaussoy (small)
    Michel Duchaussoy
    Placide Justin
  • Monica Guerritore (small)
    Monica Guerritore
    Marie
  • André Falcon (small)
    André Falcon
    Maurice
  • Marie Déa (small)
    Marie Déa
    La mère / the mother
  • Christian Barbier (small)
    Christian Barbier
    le cardiologue
  • Stefano Patrizi (small)
    Stefano Patrizi
    Vivien
  • Geoffrey Carey (small)
    Geoffrey Carey
    Le Decorateur
  • Muriel Catalá (small)
    Muriel Catalá
    Katia
  • Henri Attal (small)
    Henri Attal