A director with a dark sensibility comparable to Chabrol, Claude Miller made these two twisty Polars (French Police-Noir films) with Michel Serrault (Kill the Referee), showcasing the actor in stunning performances alongside stars including Lino Ventura (Army of Shadows) and Isabelle Adjani (Possession, The Story of Adele H).
In The Inquisitor cops Gallien (Ventura) and Belmont (Guy Marchand) interrogate Martinaud (Serrault), a wealthy lawyer, for the rape and murder of two young girls. The investigation becomes further complicated when his wife (Romy Schneider, Le combat dans l’ile) gives her statement… A gripping thriller with intense performances, The Inquisitor was a critical and commercial success on release, nominated for 8 César Awards, winning Best Screenplay and acting prizes for Serrault and Marchand.
Serrault returns in Deadly Circuit as a P.I. who becomes obsessed with the target of his investigation, a murderer (Adjani) who he follows across Europe as she moves from one victim to another. Switching gears to pitch black humour this wild crime film features both leads on top form alongside a stunning supporting cast including Stephane Audran (The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie), Macha Méril (Deep Red), Sami Frey (Bande à part), and Jean-Claude Brialy (The Bride Wore Black) among others.
Details by Film
The Inquisitor
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Deadly Circuit
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Supplements
- Success Story - a documentary on the making of The Inquisitor (2016, 34 mins)
- Interview with Claude Miller and Michel Audiard discussing the product of the film (1981, 10 mins)
- An appreciation of the film by filmmaker Patrice Leconte (2016, 6 mins)
- Reverse Short [Champ contrechamp] - a TV episode on crime fiction featuring Claude Miller, Michel Serrault, Alain Corneau, Michel Audiard, and others (1981, 52 mins)
- Audio commentary on Deadly Circuit by critic Rachael Nisbet (2025)
- Sacred Circuit - documentary on Deadly Circuit featuring co-screenwriter Jacques Audiard, director of photography Pierre Lhomme and producer Charles Gassot (2016, 34 mins)
- Hypnotic Fascination - an interview with filmmaker Philippe Le Guay (2016, 8 mins)
- Original theatrical trailer for The Inquisitor
- Original theatrical trailer for Deadly Circuit
- Limited edition booklet featuring new writing by Adam Scovell and an archival interview with Deadly Circuit producer Charles Gassot