Swann in Love (1984): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1984, Swann in Love is a drama and romance film directed by Volker Schlöndorff, running about 110 minutes. “Volker Schlöndorff's Masterly Film” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. In early 20th century, Charles Swann, a young and wealthy dandy, spends most of his time hanging out with the old nobility, notably the Duke and Duchess of Guermantes. He is madly in love with a pretty demi-mondaine, Odette de Crécy. Idle, Swann surrenders complacently to the torments of jealousy. After hours of suffering, he manages to spend a night with Odette. In the morning, he believes that ultimately, this one is "not his type". However, we find him, many years later, alongside Odette who, now his wife, gave him a daughter. In the company of Baron de Charlus, brother of the Duchess of Guermantes, he wonders about the failure of his sentimental life, so far removed from this absolute he dreamed of.

Who’s in it. Swann in Love stars Jeremy Irons as Charles Swann, Ornella Muti as Odette de Crécy, Alain Delon as Baron de Charlus and Fanny Ardant as Duchesse de Guermantes, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.8/10, Swann in Love has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Criterion Channel. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Swann in Love page.

If you liked it. Fans of Swann in Love tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.