Zénon the Rebel

Zénon is the hero of “The Abyss”, the famous novel by Marguerite Yourcenar published in 1968. He is also the main character in André Delvaux’s film, played by Gian Maria Volonte, for the movie adaptation of the same book in 1988. But what does Zénon represent for us today, and what has become of him? How can this entirely fictional philosopher, doctor, alchemist and inventor from the Renaissance help us understand the era in which he lived as well as our own in these uncertain times? This is what this documentary sets out to do.

Cast

Johan Leysen

Self

Marie-Christine Barrault

Self - Narrator

Marguerite Yourcenar

Self (archive footage)

André Delvaux

Self (archive footage)

Gian Maria Volonté

Self (archive footage)

Angelica Ippolito

Self