Humanité 2000
Directed by
Bruno Dumont
Made by
Fox Lorber Home Video
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Humanité (2000). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In the remote northern region of France, a tragic event unfolds as an 11-year-old girl is brutally raped and murdered while returning home from the school bus to her parents’ secluded farm in Bailleul. Lieutenant Pharaon de Winter, haunted by the loss of his partner and child in a devastating accident, grapples with intense feelings of horror and revulsion upon being assigned to this heart-wrenching case.
Seeking solace during a weekend getaway, Pharaon reluctantly agrees to join his kind neighbor Domino and her partner Joseph, a bus driver. Their outing to the seaside and a local restaurant only highlights Pharaon’s discomfort, as he finds Joseph to be both rude and ignorant of the trauma weighing on him.
As the investigation progresses at a sluggish pace, Pharaon delves into various possibilities regarding the identity of the perpetrator, exploring the notion that the murderer could be either a bus driver or a psychiatric patient. The narrative takes him to London, where he interviews Eurostar passengers, attempting to uncover compelling leads. Unfortunately, without significant progress, the case is ultimately handed over to the Lille police.
Meanwhile, tensions soar when the factory where Domino works goes on strike, leading to protests that require police intervention under Pharaon’s leadership. While Domino initially appears outwardly upset, she secretly admires Pharaon’s quiet strength and resilience, offering herself to him passionately. However, he turns down her advances, stating, > “not like that,” as his mother expresses her disapproval of Domino’s intentions.
The plot thickens when the Lille police detain Joseph, and Pharaon, arriving at the police station, discovers Joseph in a vulnerable state, physically beaten and in tears. To his surprise, Joseph confesses his guilt while breaking down emotionally. As a man of deep sensitivity, Pharaon instinctively comforts Joseph with gentle gestures, including a tender kiss. When he returns home, he finds Domino at his kitchen table in distress, leading him to provide her with comfort amidst their shared heartbreak.
The film concludes with a haunting image of Pharaon, constrained by handcuffs at the police station, gazing out the window as the weight of the case, his emotions, and the complex ties with those around him become evident, leaving a lasting impression of unresolved pain.
Timeline
Track the key events of Humanité (2000) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Tragic Event in Bailleul
An 11-year-old girl is brutally raped and murdered while walking home from the school bus to her family's secluded farm in Bailleul. This heartbreaking incident shocks the local community and sets the stage for an intense investigation.
Pharaon Assigned the Case
Lieutenant Pharaon de Winter receives the assignment to investigate the tragic murder. Haunted by his own past loss of a partner and child, Pharaon feels a deep sense of horror and revulsion at the brutality of the case.
Weekend Getaway
Seeking solace, Pharaon joins his neighbor Domino and her partner Joseph for a weekend getaway to the seaside. Despite the picturesque surroundings, Pharaon feels discomfort due to Joseph's rudeness and his own emotional turmoil.
Investigation Begins
As the investigation unfolds, Pharaon grapples with the possibility that the murderer could be a bus driver or a psychiatric patient. This uncertainty adds to his emotional burden, and he becomes increasingly consumed by the case.
Trip to London
Pharaon travels to London to interview Eurostar passengers for potential leads regarding the killer. Despite his efforts, he faces a lack of significant progress, which leaves him feeling helpless and frustrated.
Case Transferred to Lille Police
After a stagnant investigation, the case is handed over to the Lille police. Pharaon's feelings of inadequacy heighten as he reflects on the mounting pressure of solving the crime and the expectations placed upon him.
Factory Strike and Protests
Domino's workplace goes on strike, leading to protests that require police intervention. Pharaon takes charge of the situation, and amidst the chaos, Domino displays a sense of admiration for his strength, complicating their relationship.
Joseph Detained
The Lille police detain Joseph, creating a shocking turn in the investigation. Pharaon arrives at the station to find Joseph emotionally distraught, revealing the toll the investigation is taking on everyone involved.
Joseph's Confession
In a vulnerable state, Joseph confesses to his involvement in the crime while breaking down in tears at the police station. Pharaon's compassionate nature drives him to comfort Joseph, showcasing the complexity of their relationship.
Comforting Domino
Upon returning home, Pharaon finds Domino in distress at his kitchen table. He offers her solace, reflecting the shared heartbreak they both experience due to the ongoing tragedy and unresolved emotions.
Pharaon in Handcuffs
The film concludes with Pharaon confined in handcuffs at the police station, gazing out the window. This poignant moment symbolizes his internal struggle, the burden of the case, and the emotional weight of his relationships.
Lingering Unresolved Pain
As the story comes to a close, Pharaon’s expression conveys a haunting sense of unresolved pain. With complex ties to those around him, he contemplates the impact of the case on his life and the lives of others involved.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Humanité (2000) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Lieutenant Pharaon de Winter
Pharaon is a deeply sensitive and affected individual, incapable of escaping the shadows of his past. His dual role as an investigator and a grieving father shapes his responses to the events around him. Despite his emotional struggles, he exhibits quiet strength and compassion towards those in distress.
Domino
Domino is a kind and caring neighbor who offers companionship to Pharaon during his time of need. Though outwardly supportive, she grapples with her feelings for him as well as the reality of their divergent emotional states. Her character encapsulates the struggles of maintaining connection amidst trauma.
Joseph
Joseph is portrayed as a complex character, initially coming off as rude and ignorant. However, as the story unfolds, his vulnerability is revealed when he confesses to feelings of guilt, showcasing a deeper emotional layer. His interactions with Pharaon highlight themes of connection and empathy.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Humanité (2000), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The story unfolds in a contemporary setting that reflects modern societal issues, including the haunting aftermath of crime and personal loss. The characters grapple with their emotional burdens amidst a backdrop of community tensions and labor strikes.
Location
Northern France, Bailleul, London
The film takes place in the remote northern region of France, specifically in Bailleul, a secluded area known for its rural landscapes and quiet farms. The seaside serves as a temporary escape for Lieutenant Pharaon, contrasting with the somber events of the investigation. A brief visit to London introduces an urban environment where Pharaon seeks leads in the murder case.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Humanité (2000). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Loss
The theme of loss permeates throughout the film as Lieutenant Pharaon de Winter struggles with the grief of losing his partner and child. This loss not only affects his personal life but also impacts his ability to connect with others, particularly during the investigation. The haunting nature of unresolved pain is a central aspect of the narrative.
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Investigation
The investigation into the tragic murder of an 11-year-old girl drives the plot forward, showcasing Pharaon's deep commitment to uncovering the truth. However, the slow pace of progress and his interactions with potential suspects highlight the complexities and challenges law enforcement faces in such heart-wrenching cases.
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Justice
A continuous search for justice underlines the emotional struggles of the characters. The narrative raises questions about accountability, guilt, and the harsh reality of crime's impact on innocent lives. Pharaon's dedication to his work reflects a yearning for justice amidst personal turmoil.
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