The Crime of Ovide Plouffe

Synopsis

The Crime of Ovide Plouffe, directed by Denys Arcand and released in 1984, is a compelling drama set in post-war Quebec, adapting Roger Lemelin's novel. The story revolves around Ovide Plouffe, portrayed by Gabriel Arcand, a man whose life spirals into turmoil following a series of unfortunate events. The film explores themes of family dynamics, moral ambiguity, and societal challenges, painting a vivid portrait of the struggles faced by the Plouffe family. With its meticulous attention to period detail and complex character development, the movie captures the essence of Quebec's social fabric during the era, presenting a poignant narrative that delves into crime, justice, and personal redemption.

Cast

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  Gabriel Arcand

  Ovide Plouffe

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  Anne Létourneau

  Rita Plouffe

• 

  Pierre Curzi

  Napoléon Plouffe

• 

  Jean Carmet

  Pacifique Berthet

• 

  Serge Dupire

  Guillaume Plouffe

• 

  Donald Pilon

  Stan Labrie

Reviews

The Crime of Ovide Plouffe received a mix of critical responses, with many praising its strong performances and evocative depiction of Quebec society. On IMDb, the film holds a moderate rating around 6.7/10, reflecting appreciation for Gabriel Arcand's nuanced portrayal of Ovide. Critics from Canadian film circles lauded the movie for its faithful adaptation of Lemelin's novel and Denys Arcand's skilled direction. For instance, The Globe and Mail complimented the film's "delicate balance between family drama and crime narrative" and noted its "evocative atmosphere that immerses viewers in 1940s Quebec." However, some critics found the pacing slow and the narrative at times plodding, which has led to less enthusiastic reactions on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes where the film's rating is modest, often attributed to its niche appeal rather than broad entertainment value. Metacritic does not feature a score for this film due to its limited release and archival nature, but retrospective analysis appreciates its contribution to Quebecois cinema history. Overall, The Crime of Ovide Plouffe is regarded as a thoughtful and culturally significant film, especially for viewers interested in Canadian film heritage and historical drama.