Web of Passion

Hitchcock once said the idea of an enormous close-up of blood dripping on to a daisy had long appealed to him; an ambition later put into practice with the truly horrible shot of blood landing on a scone at a school picnic.

Although the default setting of continental art cinema of the late fifties was usually black & white, due to their admiration for Hollywood cinema most of the nouvelle vague warmly embraced colour.

Based on story by Stanley Ellen, 'A Double Tour' - like 'Plein Soleil' - capitalised on the sheer incongruity of setting a dark tale of murder, madness and passion in brilliant sunlight.

Chabrol always could turn on the new-wave schizophrenia. Overly hyper at times, inspired at others.

Based on the novel "La Cle de la Rue Saint-Nicolas," a wine grower of not some little means, finds himself beset with problems on all sides, from his wife, his children, his best friend.....even his lover! Well, truth be known, SHE has problems herself - she is murdered!

Chabrol does a fair Hitchcockian impression, filming the demise of the mistress as he does, entirely with mirrors. Arguably the highlight of the movie.

To appreciate this film it would definitely assist to have had some exposure to French Cinema in the past. You may otherwise find the Chabrolian experience a rude and possibly confusing awakening. Be that as it may, this example of new-wave French artistry is understandably held in high esteem in many places.

A man and his wife are in a marriage on the brink of collapse, as he has been having an affair with a younger woman, Leda. They have a quiet son who spies on the maid through a keyhole, when she's half-dressed. And, they have a daughter, who's engaged to a no-account bum, Jean-Paul Belmondo. The mother dislikes him, but the father has nothing against him. These are relatively minor details that make up this rather subdued yet intense study of the breakup of a family due to infidelity. Everything lies just under the surface ready to bust - in the form of the mistress being killed. There are several key suspects, but it will be obvious to those who are paying attention to little things and comments. "A Double Tour" is an interesting and modest little film made worthwhile by good thoughtful performances by its actors.

I found this film very accessible. It has become one of my favorites. The film is about an eccentric close-knit dysfunctional family. The characters are quirky, borderline bizzare but real. They are obstinate, boorish, brooding, insulting, conniving and philandering. Their roles are in constant conflict, but the comedy derives from It's smooth ensemble acting and impeccable timing. Some of it's shenanigans are highly cultured slapstick. Their personalities intertwine with French culture in odd ways. Perhaps that was a redundancy. I was pleasantly surprised. I'm not going to say any more because I don't want to ruin it for you. You should see it.

An advice for those are willing to see this bad picture, firstly you may be drunk, smoked some ma-riju-ana and others stuffs to start and not to suffer in early moments, after all you will need it ahead, mostly by Jean-P. Belmondo's nasty behavior, further all characters are under pressure by unknown disturbing, here also the director is including in the list, scarcely loved, embittered people, after fifteen minutes don't try turn off the DVD player remember yourself how much money you had spent to get it and mainly no refund allowed after to break seal... you must to go ahead, there are an average final that worth to see, you will feel some sort of relief watching it entirely you've stay clear that you are paying sins from your previous life... think about!!!

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First watch: 2018 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 5