Les aventures de Robert Macaire

As an adolescent, Jean Epstein loved the books about Arsène Lupin and Fantômas and paid cinematic tribute to the tradition with this epic about the adventures of gentleman crook Robert Macaire, which begin when he and his assistant rescue a young girl who has fallen from her horse. Epstein’s film also corresponds to the silent film serial in terms of length, although his five chapters—with a characteristic jump in time in the middle—actually tell an ongoing story and not individual adventures. Henri Langlois in 1953: “Strangely enough, LES AVENTURES DE ROBERT MACAIRE is never mentioned when people talk about Epstein, although it’s an absolute classic. The film doesn’t contain a single digression, it is entirely immaculate. A whole era and its romantic spirit are captured in convincing fashion. The film is lively, refined; it is intellectual and stylistically much more modern than most of the films of today. It is Epstein’s most authentic film—the selection of the landscapes, how close the supporting characters are to reality, Mercier’s carefully crafted interiors, all details, even down to the faux naivety and levity, that serve to submerge us completely in the spirit of the age.” (Christoph Huber)

With live music by Maud Nelissen on 25.10.

All retrospective films that will be shown at the Filmmuseum after the Viennale - from 29.10. - can of course also be reserved as usual at filmmuseum.at or by calling 01/533 70 54 and purchased at the box office of the Austrian Film Museum. The prices of the Austrian Film Museum apply.