The Elegant Criminal Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Elegant Criminal.
The Elegant Criminal Ending Explained: On 9 January 1836, Pierre Lacenaire goes to the guillotine, a murderer and a thief. Directed by Francis Girod, this 1990 drama film stars Daniel Auteuil (Pierre-François Lacenaire), alongside Jean Poiret as Allard, Jacques Weber as Jacques Arago, François Périer as Lacenaire's father. With a 6.1/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Elegant Criminal?
On 9 January 1836, Pierre Lacenaire goes to the guillotine, a murderer and a thief. He gives Allard, a police inspector, his life story, written while awaiting execution. He also asks Allard to care for Hermine, a lass to whom he has been guardian for more than ten years. In flashbacks, from the prison as Lacenaire writes, from Allard's study as he and Hermine read, and from other readers' memory after the book is published, we see Lacenaire's childhood as he stands up to bullies, including priests, his youthful thieving, his first murder, his brief army career, his seduction of a princess, and his affair with Avril, a young man who dies beside him.
Francis Girod's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Daniel Auteuil (Pierre-François Lacenaire)'s journey. He gives Allard, a police inspector, his life story, written while awaiting execution.
How Does Daniel Auteuil (Pierre-François Lacenaire)'s Story End?
- Daniel Auteuil: Daniel Auteuil's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Jean Poiret (Allard): Jean Poiret's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Jacques Weber (Jacques Arago): Jacques Weber's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Elegant Criminal Mean?
The Elegant Criminal's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Daniel Auteuil may feel rushed. Francis Girod's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.