Damage

1992

Damage

Critics Consensus

No consensus yet.

78%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 23

73%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 6,503
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Movie Info

Adapted from Josephine Hart's spare novel by British screenwriter David Hare and French director Louis Malle, this brooding erotic drama concerns the obsessive sexual relationship between an English politician and his son's lover. Stephen Flemming (Jeremy Irons), an up-and-coming member of Parliament, has a beautiful and loving wife, Ingrid (Miranda Richardson), and two children, including son Martyn (Rupert Graves), a successsful journalist. Sparks fly, however, when Stephen meets beautiful art-world denizen Anna Barton (Juliette Binoche), Martyn's new girlfriend. A measured, seemingly passionless man who believes that life can be controlled, Stephen suddenly finds himself unable to resist brief but intense liaisons with the mysterious, melancholy Anna. Eventually she explains the palpable air of sadness that hangs over her: When she was 15, her beloved older brother committed suicide because he could not possess her. "Remember," Anna warns Stephen, "Damaged people are dangerous. They know they can survive." Drawn to Anna and the passion she engenders in him, Stephen tries to justify his betrayal by telling himself Martyn isn't serious about Anna; he is stunned, then, when the two announce their engagement. On the advice of Anna's mother (Leslie Caron), who sees right through the charade, Stephen tries to break things off. But soon the affair resumes with full force, eventually destroying several lives. Although Damage's stark, frank sex scenes were trimmed to attain an R rating for theatrical release, the original, uncut version is available on video and DVD. Richardson received an Oscar nomination for her work.
  • Rating:
    R
  • Genre:
    Drama
  • Directed By:
    Louis Malle
  • Written By:
    David Hare
  • On Disc/Streaming:
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

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Cast

Jeremy Irons
as Dr. Stephen Fleming
Juliette Binoche
as Anna Barton
Miranda Richardson
as Ingrid Fleming
Rupert Graves
as Martyn Fleming
Ian Bannen
as Edward Lloyd
Leslie Caron
as Elizabeth Prideaux
Peter Stormare
as Peter
Gemma Clarke
as Sally Fleming
Julian Fellowes
as Donald Lyndsaymp
Tony Doyle
as Prime Minister
Raymond Gravell
as Raymond
Susan Engel
as Miss Snow
David Thewlis
as Detective
Benjamin Whitrow
as Civil Servant
Jeff Nuttall
as Trevor Leigh Davies MP
Roger Llewellyn
as Palmer
Ray Gravell
as Raymond
Jason Morell
as Young Man at Sothebys
Barry Stearn
as Prime Minister's Aide
Linda Delapena
as Beth
Francine Stock
as TV Interviewer
Barry Steam
as PRime Minister's Aide
Henry Power
as Henry
Simon DeDeney
as Young Man at DTI
Luc Étienne
as Lutetia Receptionist
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Critic Reviews for Damage

All Critics (23) | Top Critics (5)

View All Critic Reviews (23)

Audience Reviews for Damage

  • Jun 04, 2016
    "Damaged people are more dangerous, they know how to survive."
    Marcus W Super Reviewer
  • Oct 27, 2014
    It attempted to be dark and haunting but in all it came off kind of sleepy and slow. I thought Irons was good but I've seen better work from Binoche.
    Daniel P Super Reviewer
  • Jun 12, 2010
    Louis Malle's "Damage" basic premise is about an older man who is sexually attracted to a younger woman, both partners engage in an intense, erotic sexual relationship. Malle makes "Damage" more complex and more intriguing I couldn't help but be amazed as to what will happen next. Jeremy Irons(who sort of reminds me of Daniel Day-Lewis) is just right for the role as the British government minister Dr. Stephen Fleming and so is Juliette Binoche as the dark, quiet very exotic Anna Barton. Some may felt the film's tone is slow and boring. Not me. "Damage" kept me locked in from start to finish. It is quite a great movie film lovers have to see.
    Brian R Super Reviewer
  • Oct 28, 2009
    There is a lack of originality in this and it drags on quite bit.
    Sunil J Super Reviewer
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