Monsieur Hawarden is a 1968 Belgian-Dutch drama film[1] directed by Harry Kümel.[2] The film was selected as the Dutch entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 42nd Academy Awards, but was not accepted as a nominee.[3]
| Monsieur Hawarden | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Harry Kümel |
| Written by | |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | Ellen Vogel |
| Cinematography | Eduard van der Enden |
Release dates |
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Running time | 109 minutes |
| Countries |
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| Language | Dutch |
The film is an adaptation of Filip De Pillecyn's short story Monsieur Hawarden (1935) and Henri Pierre Faffin's novel Monsieur Hawarden (1932),[4] both of which were inspired by an actual nineteenth century diary.[5]
Meriora Gillibrand disguises herself as a man ('Monsieur Hawarden') to avoid prosecution for murdering her lover fifteen years ago. She is the last living member of a wealthy Vienna family, and has spent the years after the murder traveling Europe with Victorine, her female servant. Her travels provide her with an anonymous cloak that allows her freedom of movement but little peace of mind. Nearing middle age, the guilt and weariness of an empty life has her contemplating suicide as the only way out of her dilemma.
The film was not a great commercial success upon its release.[6] It received critical accolades, including prizes at festivals in Chicago, Edinburgh and Hyeres.[6]