Arsène Lupin (2004 film)


Arsène Lupin is a 2004 crime-adventure film, based on the popular series of crime novels created by Maurice Leblanc, directed by Jean-Paul Salomé and stars Romain Duris, Eva Green and Kristin Scott Thomas. It was a co-production of France, Spain, Italy and The United Kingdom.

Plot

The film follows gentleman thief Arsène Lupin from a small boy, through the death of his father, and his adult years when he meets the strange woman, Joséphine, who appears to be immortal and uses a hypnotic drug to enslave people to her will. Arsène's ethos is to steal from the rich and deserving crooks. In this film he comes up against two parties, a secret society and Joséphine, who are intent on gathering three crucifixes which will reveal the secret of a lost treasure which contains secrets about Mehdi.

Cast

The film adapts elements from many of Leblanc's stories, including The Arrest of Arsène Lupin, The Queen's Necklace, Sherlock Holmes Arrives Too Late, The Hollow Needle, :fr:813 |813, and :fr:La Comtesse de Cagliostro|The Countess Of Cagliostro.

Reception

Lisa Nesselson of Variety dubbed the film, 'A thoroughly entertaining period romp bursting with intrigue'. Empire awarded the film 3 out of five stars, criticizing Duris' performance, but complimenting the action and special effects. Screen Daily praised the production values, but found the plot unclear.