Stavisky…

Stavisky…

Year: 1974

Runtime: 120 mins

Language: French

Director: Alain Resnais

HistoryDramaCrime

Biarritz, 1933. With charm and talent, small‑time swindler Serge Alexandre—known as Stavisky—manipulates bribes to infiltrate the heart of French political power. When his massive fraud involving millions is uncovered, his actions destabilize the government, pushing the nation to the edge of collapse and a looming civil war.

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In the glittering yet unsettled world of 1933 Biarritz, the story unfolds against a backdrop of restless politics and a society teetering on the brink of upheaval. The coastal resort, with its sun‑kissed promenades and smoky casino rooms, hides a network of whispers, favors, and hidden ambitions. Beneath the genteel veneer, the nation’s institutions quiver, sensing that the delicate balance of power could shatter at any moment.

At the centre of this delicate dance moves Serge Alexandre Stavisky, a charismatic swindler whose effortless charm and razor‑sharp talent allow him to glide between the worlds of high finance, theatre, and the glittering salons of Paris. With a reputation for bending rules and a gift for making allies out of the powerful, he navigates a labyrinth of bribes, media attention, and political connections, all while maintaining a flamboyant lifestyle that dazzles and intimidates in equal measure. His devotion to his glamorous wife Arlette adds a personal sparkle to his public façade, and together they become a striking emblem of allure and ambition in a city eager for spectacle.

Running parallel to Stavisky’s ascent, the film introduces the enigmatic presence of Trotsky, whose exile in France brings an air of ideological tension to the already fraught atmosphere. Their intersecting circles—politicians, journalists, and secret police—create a sense of perpetual surveillance and whispered intrigue. The tone remains a moody, atmospheric blend of historical drama and sly noir, inviting the audience to linger over the seductive pull of power and the uneasy feeling that beneath the surface, something fragile is about to crack.

Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 18:21

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Movies about charismatic conmen like Stavisky…

The tragic unraveling of a charming swindler whose ambitions threaten everything.If you liked the story of Serge Stavisky's rise and fall, explore more movies like Stavisky… that follow charismatic swindlers. These films blend crime, drama, and history, focusing on the glamorous but anxious downfall of figures whose deceptive talents lead to catastrophic consequences.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically trace an arc from ambition to implosion. A charming protagonist uses wit and deception to climb social or political ladders, creating a facade of success. The central conflict arises from the threat of exposure, building immense tension as their meticulously constructed world begins to crack and ultimately crumbles.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped by their focus on a specific character archetype—the tragic conman—and a shared tone that mixes glamour with deep-seated anxiety. The pacing often involves a slow build towards a catastrophic failure, creating a heavy, reflective mood centered on themes of corruption and the fragility of illusion.

Political corruption dramas with ominous tension like Stavisky…

Stories where personal scandal exposes the rot within a fragile political system.Find more movies like Stavisky… that explore political corruption and historical instability. These complex dramas use a personal story, often a crime or scandal, to illuminate wider societal decay, creating a tense and ominous atmosphere as a nation teeters on the brink of collapse.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative structure often weaves a personal story of ambition or crime with a parallel political narrative. The personal downfall of the protagonist directly impacts the fragile political order, revealing how interconnected they are. The plot is complex, requiring viewers to see the links between individual actions and their vast historical repercussions.

Why These Movies?

This thread groups films by their shared setting—a politically volatile era—and their central theme: how a personal drama can trigger a systemic crisis. They share a heavy emotional weight, a tense and ominous tone, and a complex narrative that explores the corrosive effects of power and deception on a grand scale.

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