Arsène Lupin is a 2004 French-language adventure crime film directed by Jean-Paul Salomé, based on the popular series of crime novels created by Maurice Leblanc. An international co-production of France, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom, the film stars Romain Duris, Kristin Scott Thomas and Pascal Greggory.
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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
Romain Duris as Arsène Lupin
Kristin Scott Thomas as Joséphine Balsamo, comtesse de Cagliostro
Pascal Greggory as Beaumagnan
Eva Green as Clarisse de Dreux-Soubise
Robin Renucci as Duke of Dreux-Soubise
Patrick Toomey as Léonard
Mathieu Carrière as Duke of Orléans
Philippe Magnan as Bonnetot
Philippe Lemaire as Cardinal of Etigues
Marie Bunel as Henriette d'Andrésy
Aurélien Wiik as Jean Lupin
Philippe Laudenbach as The Prefect
Françoise Lépine as The Duchess
Xavier Beauvois as Doctor
Arthur Dupont as Seller Newspaper
Production
The film adapts elements from many of Leblanc's stories, including The Arrest of Arsène Lupin (the ship gala which introduces the adult Lupin), The Queen's Necklace (Lupin's childhood), Sherlock Holmes Arrives Too Late, The Hollow Needle (which provides the treasure that is a key component of the plot), 813, and The Countess Of Cagliostro (which brought over one of Lupin's recurring antagonists).
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.
