The Stranger Trailer: François Ozon's Highly Praised Adaptation of Albert Camus is Set to Release in April.

      Following in Luchino Visconti's tradition, François Ozon has released a fresh interpretation of the classic novel The Stranger by Albert Camus. This film, which is among his most praised works, features a cast that includes Benjamin Voisin, Rebecca Marder, Pierre Lottin, Denis Lavant, and Swann Arlaud. In advance of its New York premiere this week at Film at Lincoln Center’s Rendez-Vous with French Cinema, and a theatrical debut set for April 3, Music Box Films has unveiled the new trailer.

      The synopsis reads: “Meursault (Benjamin Voisin) is a clerk in an office in Algiers during the French colonial period. A reserved individual, Meursault's mundane existence is disrupted by the unexpected death of his mother. During her funeral, he draws criticism from everyone around him for not expressing grief. His reputation for emotional detachment influences every aspect of his life, from his hesitant relationship with Marie (Rebecca Marder) to his apathetic attitude towards career progression. As Meursault becomes entangled in mounting conflicts with his neighbors, tensions escalate until he ends up killing an Arab man on the beach. While a Frenchman might present multiple justifications for shooting an Arab in Algeria, Meursault’s lack of excuses or remorse shocks the colonial society to its foundations. Captured in exquisite, sensual black-and-white, François Ozon’s new interpretation of Camus’s classic story of existential despair stands out as a significant adaptation, remaining true to the original text while exploring new insights within its nuances.”

      Zhuo-Ning Su noted in his Venice review, “The film’s most important achievement is its exploration of the moral and philosophical dimensions that shape its central character. While Visconti’s version was technically impressive, bolstered by Marcello Mastroianni’s passionate and sympathetic performance, it stemmed from a fundamental misreading of the source material. Meursault is not meant to be empathetic or emotionally intense; whenever Mastroianni tugs at your heart with his sincere, tearful look, it undermines Camus’ cold, unsettling perspective.”

      Watch the trailer below.