A French film to watch: Auction by Pascal Bonitzer

Readers who enjoy the BBC show Fake or Fortune?, which examines the provenance, authenticity and, most entertainingly, the sale value of notable artworks, will surely enjoy Auction (French title: Le tableau volé), the French film which came out in 2024.

This is not because the authenticity of the artwork at the heart of the film’s narrative is in question (an Egon Schiele that disappeared, presumed destroyed, in 1939 and was recently discovered in Mulhouse), but rather for the intriguing effect that its discovery has on the many individuals in its orbit. 

From the humble factory worker Martin (Arcadi Radeff) who found it in his house, to the original owner’s descendants, to the Paris auction house employees (auctioneer André and his intern, Aurore) who smell money and stop at nothing morally to secure it for sale, this is a film as much about morality and money as it is about art. 

“You have to stop at nothing for a sale,” says André – played superbly by Alex Lutz to the equally ruthless Aurore (Louise Chevillotte). Léa Drucker is also excellent as the auction house valuer and André’s ex-wife. 

The film takes thrilling turns until the explosive denoument when the painting goes under the hammer. A terrific film depicting a little-known world. 

Stream on Apple TV+, Amazon Prime and other platforms.