Justine

Synopsis

Justine is a 1969 drama film based on the novel of the same name by Lawrence Durrell. The story follows the life of a beautiful and mysterious young woman, Justine, set in Alexandria during the 1930s. Justine becomes entangled in a web of love, betrayal, and political intrigue as she navigates through the complexities of the relationships around her. The film explores themes of desire, power, and the consequences of living in a time of societal upheaval. Anouk Aimée delivers a captivating performance as Justine, bringing depth and emotion to her character amidst the turbulent backdrop of pre-war Egypt.

Cast

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  Anouk Aimée

  Justine

• 

  Dirk Bogarde

  Pursewarden

• 

  Robert Forster

  Narouz

• 

  Anna Karina

  Melissa

• 

  Philippe Noiret

  Pombal

• 

  Michael York

  Darley

Reviews

Justine received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised the film for its lush cinematography and compelling portrayal of the characters, while others found the pacing to be slow and the plot disjointed. Rotten Tomatoes' critics consensus describes Justine as 'a sumptuous but hollow epic,' highlighting the film's aesthetic beauty but questioning its substance. The New York Times noted that the film 'suffers from a lack of narrative coherence,' pointing out the difficulties in adapting Durrell's complex novel for the screen. Despite these criticisms, Anouk Aimée's performance was widely acclaimed, with many reviewers highlighting her ability to embody the enigmatic allure of the titular character.