David et Madame Hansen (2012)

David et Madame Hansen Poster

David is an occupational therapist who has recently arrived at a clinic for wealthy patients. One morning, he is entrusted with Madame Hansen-Bergmann, a wealthy woman suffering from transient amnesia and post-traumatic stress , with the mission of taking her to the nearby village to buy a new pair of shoes. Against his will, he embarks with her on a breathtaking chase during which he discovers the past life of his patient and the origins of the illness from which she suffers.

Film Overview
"David et Madame Hansen" is a French movie launched in 2012, directed by Alexandre Astier, and starring Isabelle Adjani and Alexandre Astier themselves. This drama unfolds the unique relationship between a skilled psychologist and his client, who is fighting an unusual and mystical mental disorder. The film is a subtle mix of psychological drama and light comedy, presented with an interesting perspective on mental health.

Plot Summary
The film starts with an accomplished psychologist, David, who is now working as a garden enthusiast due to personal problems. Suddenly, he discovers himself in a scenario where he starts working for Madame Hansen-Bergmann (Isabelle Adjani), a classy and wealthy lady dealing with her psychological health. She suffers from an uncommon psychopathological syndrome, causing periodic loss of perception of reality.

Madame Hansen is a complicated character. She's cultured, fluent in a number of languages, amiable, however all her elegance conceals her psychological instability. On their first encounter, David is unaware of her condition and assumes her to be an eccentric populating a world of her own, disconnected from reality.

Effective Performances
Isabelle Adjani, among France's celebrated starlets, has actually depicted Madame Hansen beautifully and charmingly. She communicates the extreme emotional distress and the struggle to maintain a practically regular habits that mentally affected characters frequently experience. On the other hand, Alexandre Astier's efficiency as David is exceptional, perfectly capturing the essence of his character - compassionate, client yet, bearing his own emotional baggage.

Relationship Development
Madame Hansen's condition worsens, resulting in unpredictable behavior and making her a lot more disconnected from society. Nevertheless, this leads her to develop a special bond with David. As a psychologist by occupation, David volunteers to take Madame Hansen on an unforeseen journey in her stylish old Porsche.

Their journey deepens their connection, and in the process, David comes better to comprehending Madame Hansen's intricate condition. He utilizes a variety of practical mental approaches to decipher her symptoms, eventually resulting in a better understanding of the roots of her condition.

The Twilight Revelation
As the journey continues, David discovers Madame Hansen's deeply buried psychological injury connected to her past. There's a poignant discovery about a lost kid and suppressed guilt, intensifying the secret around her condition. The good understanding and shared vulnerabilities bring both characters more detailed, offering an emotionally pleasing and heartfelt climax.

Final Verdict
"David et Madame Hansen" is an appealing film that checks out the complexity of the human mind and the battle with mental illness. It also stresses the significance of empathy, understanding, and personal connection in handling such conditions. The movie subtly evokes deep emotions and brings an unexpected twist to the story, captivating the audience.

The stellar performances by Isabelle Adjani and Alexandre Astier, coupled with the nuanced storytelling, makes "David et Madame Hansen" an engaging watch. It wonderfully records the essence of human emotions and the real struggles associated with mental health concerns.

Top Cast

  • Isabelle Adjani (small)
    Isabelle Adjani
    Madame Hansen-Bergmann
  • Alexandre Astier (small)
    Alexandre Astier
    David
  • Julie-Anne Roth (small)
    Julie-Anne Roth
    Clémence
  • Victor Chambon (small)
    Victor Chambon
    Hugo
  • Jean-Charles Simon (small)
    Jean-Charles Simon
    Docteur Reiner
  • Daphné Bürki (small)
    Daphné Bürki
    Perrine
  • Sébastien Lalanne (small)
    Sébastien Lalanne
    Gilles
  • Élodie Hesme (small)
    Élodie Hesme
    Hélène