The Kidnapping of Michel Houellebecq

The Kidnapping of Michel Houellebecq

Only unmasked kidnappers spell trouble

2014 · 92 min · ★ 6.5 · Comedy, Drama

In September 2011 writer Michel Houellebecq briefly disappeared off the face of the earth. Wild rumours began circulating on the Internet that he’d been abducted by Al-Qaeda or aliens from outer space. Some Twitter users even expressed relief that the controversial author was suddenly no longer around. This film now reveals what really happened: Three tough guys variously with impressive hairstyles and bodybuilder physiques carried off the star intellectual, taking him out of the daily stress of dodging autograph hunters and having his flat renovated and bringing him to a beautiful rural underdog idyll, full of dog grooming, bodybuilding demonstrations, junk cars and Polish sausages. But who was to pay the ransom?

Directed by Guillaume Nicloux · Written by Guillaume Nicloux

Your Rating

Where to Watch

Rent or Buy

Cast

Michel Houellebecq Michel Houellebecq
Mathieu Nicourt Mathieu
Maxime Lefrançois Max
Françoise Lebrun Françoise
Luc Schwarz Luc
Veran Mauberret
Ginette Suchotzky Ginette
André Suchotzky Dede
Marie Bourjala Fatima
Karim Achoui L'avocat
François Samuelson François
Vincent Janerot

Make it a double feature

2h 57m together

The Kidnapping of Michel Houellebecq

Happiness Is No Joke

Both from Guillaume Nicloux.

L'Enlèvement de Michel HouellebecqSee all →

Thalasso

Thalasso · 2019

MovieComedyDrama

Provocative French writer Michel Houellebecq meets Gérard Depardieu at a sea water therapy centre in Cabourg. Together, they try to survive the health regime to which they are subjected by the establishment. But events quickly derail their routine… Just Great is a joyful comedy elevated by two extraordinary performances.

Being Blanche Houellebecq

Being Blanche Houellebecq · 2024

Being Blanche Houellebecq

Michel Houellebecq travels to Guadeloupe to take part in a look-alike contest, whose jury is chaired by Blanche Gardin. But unforeseen events will plunge our duo into the heart of a bizarre intrigue.

More from Guillaume NiclouxSee all →

Happiness Is No Joke

Happiness Is No Joke · 1995

Happiness Is No Joke

What there is of a plot in this drama serves mainly as a vehicle for the exploration of character. In the story, Michel (Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu) is a recent widower. As the story opens, he and his friend Andre (Philippe Nahon) are sharing a drink on Christmas Eve. He takes a yellow scarf from a woman he knows (Laura Morante) and teasingly refuses to return it. Throughout the remainder of the film, the scarf reappears, as does the woman, until they wind up in bed together at the end of the film. Before that happens, Michel wanders around Paris, viewing the festivities with a jaundiced eye which serves to heighten the unattractiveness of those he observes. Later he has dinner with a group at Andre's house, and his poor opinion of human nature is amply supported by the events that occur then.

I Stand Alone

I Stand Alone · 1999

MovieDramaThriller

After completing jail time for beating up a man who tried to seduce his mentally-handicapped teenage daughter, the Butcher wants to start life anew. He institutionalizes his daughter and moves to the Lille suburbs with his mistress, who promises him a new butcher shop. Learning that she lied, the Butcher returns to Paris to find his daughter.

Rhapsody

Rhapsody · 2016

A lonely 60-year-old man lives in a small apartment on the top floor of a tower. Every day, a young woman entrusts her baby to him. A natural and unusual bond unites these two beings, one solid and sturdy, the other small and delicate.

Lords of Scam

Lords of Scam · 2021

MovieDocumentaryCrime

This documentary traces the rise and crash of scammers who conned the EU carbon quota system and pocketed millions before turning on one another.

The Octopus

The Octopus · 1998

MovieThrillerComedy

Gabriel, dit Le Poulpe (The Octopus) is a laid-back private investigator who works on cases for his own pleasure. He is drawn to the fictional Loire Valley port of Angerneau, with his lover Clotilde who has been summoned by the police concerning the defacement of a deceased relative's grave. Since Angernau is her home town, she wants to leave it as soon as possible to avoid old acquaintances, but Gabriel stumbles on intriguing events concerning the cargo of a ship in port.

The Gordji Affair

The Gordji Affair · 2012

The Gordji Affair

MovieDramaTV Movie

Wahid Gordji is an Iranian diplomat suspected of the attack at 'rue de Rennes'. Yet, he is ultimately absolved when French hostages in Lebanon are released. Political scandal in France: there is suspicion that the government had intervened in the case and to have exchanged the liberation of the hostages with that of Gordj. Discredited, the judge commits suicide. Mitterand and Chirac keep lobbing the responsibility of the case to each other.

Twice Upon a Time

Twice Upon a Time · 2019

Twice Upon a Time

SeriesSci-Fi & FantasyDrama

Months after a crushing breakup, a man receives a mysterious package that opens a portal to the past -- and gives him a chance to win back his ex.

Turning Tide

Turning Tide · 2013

MovieAdventureDrama

Yann Madec, long-time best mate of Frank Drevil, the star skipper of Global System Insurance, sees his dream come true when he replaces the injured Frank at the last minute for the start of the Vendée Globe. Nine days into the race and leading, Yann is forced to stop in Cape Verde to repair his broken center-board. Back in the race, Yann discovers a stowaway on board, a Senegalese teenager named Moussa. Faced with the risk of disqualification because of Moussa’s presence, Yann hesitates… Their encounter leads to the most unforgettable round-the-world race ever.

The Nun

The Nun · 2013

Suzanne Simonin describes her life of suffering in letters. As a young woman she is sent to a convent against her will. Since her parents cannot afford the dowry required for a marriage befitting her rank they decide she must instead become a nun. Although a kind and understanding Mother Superior helps her to learn the convent’s daily routine, Suzanne’s desire for freedom remains unabated. When the Mother Superior dies, Suzanne finds herself faced with reprisals, humiliation and harassment at the hands of the new Abbess and the other Sisters. For many years, Suzanne is subjected to bigotry and religious fanaticism. (Berlinale.de)

The Baby

The Baby · 2023

Joseph learns that his son and his companion have just perished in an accident. They were expecting a child via a surrogate mother in Belgium. What will become of their future baby? Is Joseph the legitimate grandfather? Carried by the promise of this birth which will prolong the existence of his son, the sexagenarian goes to meet the young Flemish woman with a fierce and indomitable character.

Hanging Offense

Hanging Offense · 2003

Hanging Offense

MovieDramaThriller

A strange investigation doesn’t erase the regrets of a grieving woman cop. Every four years, the past catches up with her. Every four years this woman is very afraid. Her fear is such that she feels it could kill her because in her dreams reality begins.

To the Ends of the World

To the Ends of the World · 2018

To the Ends of the World

MovieDramaAdventure

Indochina, 1945. While the French are harassed by both the Japanese army and the Vietnamese rebels, private Robert Tassen, driven by the memory of a tragedy of which he is the only survivor, embarks on the search for the mysterious and cruel Võ Bình Yên, one of the leaders of the insurrection.

The Divine Sarah Bernhardt

The Divine Sarah Bernhardt · 2024

The Divine Sarah Bernhardt

MovieDramaRomance

1915, Sarah Bernhardt is the world's first star. Free. Modern. Divine. Eccentric. Visionary... Between legend and fantasy, Sarah Bernhardt tells us the love story that marked her life.

Mi Amor

Mi Amor · 2026

Romy is a French DJ touring the sun-bleached and club-lit Canary Islands, until her friend vanishes. Met with evasion from locals and the authorities, her search leads her to a magnetic stranger and the sinister proprietors of an exotic animal sanctuary.

Valley of Love

Valley of Love · 2015

A story of two famous actors who used to be a couple. They reunite after the son's death and receive a letter asking them to visit five places at Death Valley, which will make the son reappear.

Being Blanche Houellebecq

Being Blanche Houellebecq · 2024

Being Blanche Houellebecq

Michel Houellebecq travels to Guadeloupe to take part in a look-alike contest, whose jury is chaired by Blanche Gardin. But unforeseen events will plunge our duo into the heart of a bizarre intrigue.

More Like This

Couldn't load this row right now.

Rate this film

Your ratings make Midnight smarter