

The Savage State
L'État sauvage
Synopsis
L'Etat Sauvage is based on the novel by Georges Conchon which won the highly esteemed Prix de Goncourt. The story chronicles the mindless racism of both the departing French colonial overlords and the emergent black Africans in a newly emerging African state. Laurence (Marie-Christine Barrault) suffers the outrage of her white acquaintances, including her former lover Gravenoir (Claude Brasseur) and her ex-husband Avit (Jacques Dutronc), for her affair with Patrice Doumbe (Doura Mane), an official in the new government. He in turn is ridiculed by his fellow cabinet ministers for stepping out with a white woman. The vilification escalates to such a point that Patrice is brutally murdered, and Laurence barely escapes the country alive, with the help of her ex-husband Avit.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Marie-Christine Barrault
Laurence Laurençon
Claude Brasseur
Gravenoire
Jacques Dutronc
Avit
Doura Mané
Patrice Doumbe
Michel Piccoli
Orlaville
Baaron
Modimbo
Umban Gomez de Kset
Kotoko
Jean-Baptiste Tiémélé
Gohanda
Rüdiger Vogler
Tristan
Peter Bachelier
Renard
Philippe Brizard
Paul
Pierre Walker
Swiss Minister
Marblum Jequier
Swiss Minister
Celia
Irène
Sidiki Bakaba
Comac
Isabelle Gautier
Woman of Gravenoire
Akonio Dolo
Boy Elie
Joseph Mono
Boy Raoul
Release History & Theatrical Window
January 26, 1990
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Francis Girod
- Screenplay & Story
- Georges Conchon, Francis Girod
- Original Score
- Pierre Jansen
- Original Title
- L'État sauvage
- Country of Origin
- France
- Spoken Languages
- French
- Runtime
- 1h 52m
- Production Studios
- Stella Films, Gaumont, Films 66
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Francis Girod
Georges Conchon, Francis Girod
Pierre Jansen
Pierre Lhomme
Geneviève Winding
Francis Girod, Michel Piccoli
Department Leadership Roster
Georges Conchon
Writer
Francis Girod
Writer
Francis Girod
Producer
Michel Piccoli
Producer
Pierre Jansen
Original Music Composer
Pierre Lhomme
Director of Photography
Geneviève Winding
Editor
Jean-Jacques Caziot
Production Design
Jacques Fonteray
Costume Design
Corinne Jorry
Costume Design
Françoise Monico
Costume Design
Francis Girod
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Savage State.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Savage State
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Savage State about?
L'Etat Sauvage is based on the novel by Georges Conchon which won the highly esteemed Prix de Goncourt. The story chronicles the mindless racism of both the departing French colonial overlords and the emergent black Africans in a newly emerging African state. Laurence (Marie-Christine Barrault) suffers the outrage of her white acquaintances, including her former lover Gravenoir (Claude Brasseur) and her ex-husband Avit (Jacques Dutronc), for her affair with Patrice Doumbe (Doura Mane), an official in the new government. He in turn is ridiculed by his fellow cabinet ministers for stepping out with a white woman. The vilification escalates to such a point that Patrice is brutally murdered, and Laurence barely escapes the country alive, with the help of her ex-husband Avit.
Who directed The Savage State?
The Savage State was directed by Francis Girod.
Who stars in The Savage State?
The principal cast of The Savage State includes Marie-Christine Barrault, Claude Brasseur, Jacques Dutronc, Doura Mané, Michel Piccoli.
When was The Savage State released and how long is it?
The Savage State was released in 1978 with a total runtime of 1h 52m.
Who composed the musical score for The Savage State?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Savage State was composed by Pierre Jansen.
