Isabelle Adjani is a highly acclaimed French actress who has made a significant impact on both French and international cinema.
Born on June 27, 1955, in Paris, France, Adjani has been recognized for her exceptional talent, versatility, and striking screen presence. She has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including multiple César Awards, which are considered the French equivalent of the Oscars.
Adjani’s filmography is diverse and encompasses a wide range of genres, allowing her to showcase her acting prowess and ability to bring depth and complexity to her characters.
From intense dramas to psychological thrillers and romantic films, Adjani has consistently delivered captivating performances that leave a lasting impression on audiences.
In this list, we will explore some of Isabelle Adjani’s best movies, highlighting her most notable and memorable roles.
From her breakthrough performance in “The Story of Adele H.” (1975), for which she received her first Academy Award nomination, to her captivating portrayal in “Possession” (1981) and her powerful role in “Camille Claudel” (1988), these films represent some of the highlights of Adjani’s remarkable career.
Adjani’s ability to inhabit complex and emotionally charged characters has made her one of the most respected actresses in the industry. Her performances often delve into the depths of human emotion, bringing authenticity and nuance to her roles.
From vulnerable and fragile characters to strong-willed and enigmatic individuals, Adjani’s talent shines through in every performance.
Best Isabelle Adjani Movies
Through her work, Isabelle Adjani has left an indelible mark on cinema, captivating audiences with her magnetic presence and captivating performances. Her contributions to French and international cinema have solidified her status as one of the greatest actresses of her generation.
1. The Slap (1974)
“The Slap” is a 1974 drama film directed by Claude Pinoteau. The French title of the film is “La Gifle.” It stars Lino Ventura, Isabelle Adjani, Annie Girardot, and Stéphane Audran.
The story revolves around the lives of a middle-class couple, Françoise (played by Isabelle Adjani) and Jean (played by Lino Ventura).
Their seemingly tranquil life is disrupted when Jean, in a fit of anger, slaps their neighbor’s son at a family gathering. The incident sets off a chain of events that exposes underlying tensions and secrets within their own family and social circle.
As the repercussions of the slap ripple through their lives, Jean and Françoise must confront their own relationship issues and reassess their values.
The film delves into themes of domesticity, social expectations, and the complexities of family dynamics.
“The Slap” explores the moral and emotional consequences of a seemingly minor act of violence, shedding light on the deeper issues that exist beneath the surface of seemingly harmonious lives. It offers a thought-provoking examination of societal norms and personal values.
While “The Slap” received positive reviews upon its release, it is not as widely known internationally as some other films.
It is notable for its strong performances, particularly from Isabelle Adjani, and its exploration of interpersonal relationships within the context of a seemingly ordinary incident.
2. The Story of Adele H (1975)
The Story of Adele H is a historical drama film released in 1975, directed by François Truffaut and starring Isabelle Adjani.
The film tells the true story of Adèle Hugo, the daughter of the famous French writer Victor Hugo, who becomes obsessed with a British soldier while living in exile in Canada in the late 19th century.
The film explores Adèle’s descent into madness as her unrequited love for the soldier consumes her, leading her to stalk him across the continent and suffer a series of emotional breakdowns.
Adjani delivers a powerhouse performance as Adèle, capturing the character’s intense passion, vulnerability, and pain with remarkable sensitivity and depth.
The Story of Adele H is a haunting and beautifully crafted film that explores themes of obsession, unrequited love, and mental illness with great nuance and sensitivity.
Truffaut’s direction is masterful, creating a brooding, atmospheric mood that heightens the film’s emotional intensity. The film is a testament to the power of cinema to tell deeply personal and moving stories, and remains a landmark of French cinema.
![The Story of Adele H. [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41-aStQO1KL.jpg)
- Isabelle Adjani, Bruce Robinson, Joseph Blatchley (Actors)
- Francois Truffaut (Director)
- English, Spanish, French (Subtitles)
- Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
3. Barocco (1976)
“Barocco” is a French crime drama film released in 1976, directed by André Téchiné. The movie stars Isabelle Adjani, Gérard Depardieu, and Marie-France Pisier in the lead roles.
Set in a gritty urban environment, “Barocco” tells the story of Nelly (played by Isabelle Adjani), a young woman who works as a nightclub singer.
When her boyfriend (played by Gérard Depardieu), a newspaper photographer, becomes a target of an assassination attempt, Nelly becomes entangled in a complex web of intrigue and danger.
As Nelly delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding the assassination attempt, she encounters unexpected twists and turns that blur the lines between reality and illusion. The film explores themes of identity, love, and the corruption that permeates society.
“Barocco” received positive reviews from critics for its atmospheric direction, strong performances, and its exploration of existential themes. Isabelle Adjani delivers a captivating performance as the enigmatic Nelly, navigating a world filled with deception and hidden motives.
The film combines elements of film noir and political intrigue, creating a suspenseful and thought-provoking narrative. Téchiné’s direction and the cinematography contribute to the film’s atmospheric and gritty ambiance.
“Barocco” is regarded as a standout film in André Téchiné’s filmography and has gained a reputation as a cult classic. It is often praised for its unique style, engaging storytelling, and the chemistry between the lead actors.
If you enjoy atmospheric crime dramas that delve into the complexities of human nature and the blurred lines between truth and illusion, “Barocco” is worth exploring.
It showcases the talents of Isabelle Adjani and Gérard Depardieu, two iconic French actors, and offers a compelling narrative that keeps viewers engaged until the very end.
![Barocco [1976] [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51TOPqhIpOL.jpg)
- English (Subtitle)
- Audience Rating: NC-17 (Adults Only)
4. The Tenant (1976)
“The Tenant” is a 1976 psychological horror film directed by Roman Polanski, who also stars in the lead role. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Roland Topor.
In the film, Polanski plays Trelkovsky, a quiet and introverted man who rents an apartment in Paris where the previous tenant, a woman named Simone Choule, had attempted suicide.
As Trelkovsky becomes more involved in the lives of his neighbors, he begins to feel a sense of paranoia and persecution, believing that the other tenants are conspiring against him.
“The Tenant” is a masterful exercise in psychological horror, with Polanski creating a tense and unsettling atmosphere as the film progresses.
The film explores themes of identity, paranoia, and the fear of isolation, with Polanski’s character becoming increasingly unhinged as he becomes more convinced that the other tenants are out to get him.
“The Tenant” was a critical success upon its release and has since become a cult classic, regarded as one of Polanski’s best films. The film’s themes and visual style have been influential on subsequent horror and psychological thriller films.
![The Tenant [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Q2K1b0P9L.jpg)
- Roman Polanski, Isabelle Adjani, Melvyn Douglas (Actors)
- Roman Polanski (Director) - Grard Brach (Writer)
- English (Subtitle)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
5. Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979)
Nosferatu the Vampyre is a 1979 horror film directed by Werner Herzog and starring Klaus Kinski, Isabelle Adjani, and Bruno Ganz. The film is a remake of the classic silent film “Nosferatu” from 1922, which was an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.”
In the film, Kinski plays the iconic vampire Count Dracula, who is portrayed as a tragic and lonely figure. Adjani plays Lucy Harker, the object of Dracula’s desire, while Ganz portrays her husband Jonathan Harker, who becomes embroiled in Dracula’s deadly web.
The film is notable for its haunting atmosphere, stunning visuals, and Kinski’s mesmerizing performance as Dracula. Herzog’s direction brings a sense of realism and depth to the story, and the film’s haunting score by German composer Popol Vuh adds to its eerie ambiance.
Overall, Nosferatu the Vampyre is a haunting and beautiful film that pays homage to the original while also adding its own unique style and interpretation.
It is a must-watch for fans of horror and classic cinema, as well as those who appreciate stunning visuals and atmospheric storytelling.
![Nosferatu the Vampyre [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51s43vgnTyL.jpg)
- Factory sealed DVD
- Klaus Kinski, Isabelle Adjani, Bruno Ganz (Actors)
- Werner Herzog (Director)
- English (Publication Language)
- Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
6. The Brontë Sisters (1979)
“The Brontë Sisters” (1979). The film, also known as “Les sœurs Brontë” in French, is a biographical drama directed by André Téchiné. It tells the story of the famous Brontë sisters—Charlotte, Emily, and Anne—and their lives as acclaimed writers.
The lead roles of the Brontë sisters are portrayed by Isabelle Adjani, Marie-France Pisier, and Isabelle Huppert respectively.
While Angelina Jolie is a highly regarded actress, she was not involved in this particular film. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!
![The Bronte Sisters [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51aiUwnKvzL.jpg)
- Factory sealed DVD
- Isabelle Huppert, Isabelle Adjani, Marie-France Pisier (Actors)
- André Téchiné (Director) - André Téchiné (Writer) - Alain Sarde (Producer)
- English (Subtitle)
- English (Publication Language)
3 Reasons To Watch Isabelle Adjani Movies
Isabelle Adjani is a French actress known for her versatile and powerful performances in a variety of genres. Here are three reasons to watch her movies:
Superb Acting Skills: Isabelle Adjani is widely regarded as one of the finest actresses of her generation. She has won numerous awards for her performances, including five César Awards (the French equivalent of the Oscars) and two Best Actress awards at the Cannes Film Festival.
Her performances are often characterized by their intensity, emotional depth, and the range of emotions she is able to convey on screen.
Diversity of Roles: Isabelle Adjani has played a wide variety of roles throughout her career, from historical figures to contemporary characters, and from dramas to thrillers and horror films.
This diversity of roles is a testament to her versatility as an actress and her ability to inhabit different characters and bring them to life on screen.
Iconic Performances: Isabelle Adjani has delivered several iconic performances throughout her career, such as her portrayal of a young woman slowly going mad in “Possession” (1981).
Her role as a doomed courtesan in “Queen Margot” (1994), and her performance as a woman struggling with her identity in “The Story of Adele H” (1975).
Her performances have left a lasting impression on audiences and have helped cement her status as one of the greatest actresses of her generation.
Overall, Isabelle Adjani’s films offer a chance to witness the work of a gifted and versatile actress who has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
Best Isabelle Adjani Movies – Wrap Up
Isabelle Adjani is a French actress known for her remarkable performances and versatile range. Throughout her career, she has worked with some of the most respected directors in the world, and her talent and beauty have captivated audiences worldwide.
In this series, we have explored some of the best Isabelle Adjani movies, including “Possession,” “The Story of Adele H,” “Camille Claudel,” and “La Reine Margot.”
Each of these films showcases Adjani’s exceptional acting ability and her ability to convey complex emotions and characters.
Whether playing a tortured artist, a historical figure, or a passionate lover, Adjani always brings her A-game to the screen. Her work has been recognized with numerous awards, including five César Awards, and her impact on French cinema and world cinema is immeasurable.
In conclusion, Isabelle Adjani is a true icon of French cinema and a gifted actress whose work continues to inspire and captivate audiences today. Her legacy in the world of film is secure, and her performances will undoubtedly be enjoyed and celebrated for generations to come.
