You are here:

La Menace

Name: La Menace
Director: Alain Corneau
Released: 1977
Duration: 117 min

Representation Score

2.3/10

Limited

1977

Director

Alain Corneau

Runtime

117 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

La Menace is a psychological neo-noir that prioritizes interpersonal power dynamics over broader social representation. The narrative architecture focuses on a claustrophobic struggle of obsession between three central figures. While the film challenges traditional gender hierarchies by giving female characters significant roles, it lacks the structural complexity needed for high multi-layered scores. The focus remains on individual psychological realism rather than social deconstruction. Ultimately, the film operates within a localized, homogeneous demographic that does not challenge broader social or cultural norms.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does La Menace have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film centers around a relationship involving only straight characters. There are no LGBTQ+ identities or critiques of the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does La Menace portray gender?

Good

Female characters play a significant role in driving the story through destructive and predatory actions. The plot disrupts traditional male dominance by focusing on female-led psychological pursuits.

How racially and ethnically diverse is La Menace?

Limited

The setting shows a homogeneous urban French environment. There is no evidence of diverse casting or non-white characters used to challenge historical norms.

How does La Menace represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative explores moral relativism and social dysfunction through deceptive behaviors. However, it lacks explicit critiques of Western institutions like religion or capitalism.

Does La Menace include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no representation of physical, neurodivergent, or sensory disabilities. Character behaviors are framed as psychological obsession rather than lived disability experiences.

Present on Screen

Female characters play a significant role in driving the story through psychological pursuit.
The film challenges traditional gender hierarchies by avoiding passive victim clichés.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks racial and ethnic diversity, reflecting a homogeneous demographic.
There is no representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
The narrative lacks multi-layered depth or critiques of systemic social institutions.

Official Synopsis

Henri Savin has managed a trucking company for his lover, Dominique Montlaur, for many years. Now he is planning to leave her for Julie Manet, the woman he has made pregnant, and Dominique is hysterical. She first threatens suicide, then shows up at a meeting of Savin and Julie. Dominique tries everything she can think of to break Savin and Julie apart, to no avail. Frustrated in her efforts, she jumps off a cliff and dies. Savin insists that he and Julie lie to the police about the encounter, although Dominique's death was a suicide and therefore they had no direct hand in it. Detective Waldeck investigates Dominique's death.

How are these scores produced? →