Pitof, who collaborated with Jeunet and Caro on DELICATESSEN and THE CITY OF LOST CHILDREN, directs - a strange, dark, cinematic eye shapes this fantastic tale of conspiracy.

A murder investigation leads the famous detective, Vidocq (Gerard Depardieu) on the trail of a mysterious folk figure, 'The Alchemist', who is wreaking havoc on the political core of 1830s Paris.

As the movie opens, we witness Vidocq in combat with the masked Alchemist. Vidocq's subsequent disappearance is investigated by his biographer, Etienne Boisset (Guillaume Canet) who retraces the footsteps of the subject of his work.

A visually exhilarating movie, with superb performances from a distinguished French cast.