Diary of a Mad Old Man (1987) is a psychological drama that delves deep into loneliness, obsession, and the fragile boundaries between desire and self-destruction. The film follows Marcel Hamelinck, a man forced into retirement due to a chronic muscle disease. When his wife Denise passes away, Marcel’s emotional world collapses, leaving him vulnerable and desperate for connection.

As Marcel’s grief grows, his attention shifts to Simone, his daughter-in-law. What begins as a harmless admiration soon evolves into an unhealthy fixation. Marcel showers her with expensive gifts, builds a private pool just to watch her swim, and gradually sacrifices his own well-being in pursuit of her attention. The film captures this decline with an unsettling level of intimacy, making viewers feel the weight of his emotional unraveling.

Simone, fully aware of Marcel’s obsession, exploits the situation with subtle manipulation. Her selective acts of affection—especially the moment she allows him to touch her—push Marcel further into dependency. His wish to become her “slave” is symbolic of his complete surrender, not only emotionally but physically, as his health continues to deteriorate.

The movie stands out for its honest portrayal of human vulnerability. Marcel’s journey exposes the dangers of unchecked desire and the emotional void left by loss. At the same time, Simone represents the moral ambiguity of exploitation, leaving the audience questioning her intentions at every turn.