The Big Departure Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Movie Overview: The Big Departure
| Movie | The Big Departure |
| Release Year | 1972 |
| Director | Martial Raysse |
| Genre | Drama / Fantasy |
| Runtime | 71 minutes (1h 11m) |
| Language | FR |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Big Departure (1972) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Big Departure are led by Sterling Hayden . The supporting cast, including Anne Wiazemsky and Gilles Raysse , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Big Departure does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Big Departure has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Big Departure
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1972, The Big Departure is a Drama, Fantasy film directed by Martial Raysse, written by Martial Raysse. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Sterling Hayden as M. Nature / The Leader.
Ending Explained: The Big Departure
The Big Departure Ending Explained: This is the only feature directed by the famed French painter and sculptor Martial Raysse. Directed by Martial Raysse, this 1972 drama film stars Sterling Hayden (M. Nature / The Leader), alongside Anne Wiazemsky as Mona Lisa, Gilles Raysse as Caïn, Lucienne Hamon as Mme Nature. With a 6/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Big Departure?
This is the only feature directed by the famed French painter and sculptor Martial Raysse. In keeping with the revolutionary spirit of the time, the movie has no plot to speak of and appears to have been largely made up on the spot. We follow the cat man into a bizarre fantasy universe presented in negative exposure that reverses color values (black is white and vice versa) and written words. The cat man steals a car and then picks up a young girl he promises to take to “Heaven.” Heaven turns out to be a country chateau inhabited by several more animal mask wearing weirdoes...
Martial Raysse's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Sterling Hayden (M. Nature / The Leader)'s journey. In keeping with the revolutionary spirit of the time, the movie has no plot to speak of and appears to have been largely made up on the spot.
How Does Sterling Hayden (M. Nature / The Leader)'s Story End?
- Sterling Hayden: Sterling Hayden's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Anne Wiazemsky (Mona Lisa): Anne Wiazemsky's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Gilles Raysse (Caïn): Gilles Raysse's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Big Departure Mean?
The Big Departure's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Sterling Hayden may feel rushed. Martial Raysse's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
The Big Departure Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Big Departure Based on a True Story?
No, The Big Departure is a work of fiction. While the drama, fantasy film directed by Martial Raysse and starring Sterling Hayden may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Big Departure?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Sterling Hayden or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
At just 71 minutes, it's a quick watch.
The Big Departure Parents Guide & Age Rating
1972 AdvisoryWondering about The Big Departure age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Big Departure (1972) is 71 minutes (1h 11m). Directed by Martial Raysse, the film runs for 71 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.0/10, and global performance metrics, The Big Departure is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1972 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Big Departure worth watching?
The Big Departure is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Big Departure parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Big Departure identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Big Departure (1972)?
The runtime of The Big Departure (1972) is 71 minutes (approximately 1h 11m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
