wtyson1

This is a delightful character study and social commentary masquerading as a broad farce. It is very, very funny. They avoid cheap "queer" jokes and cheap "homophobe" jokes even as they bluntly portray attitudes about homosexuals. Even though they use very real language to illustrate the attitudes. There is some great acting throughout. Each of the characters is a study in itself. The homophobic character (Depardieu) emerges as intriguing and sympathetic, where it could have been two dimensional. The relationship between Auteil and Aumont almost brought me to tears. The transformation of the lead character is believable, despite the improbable context that the film creates. The final scene with his ex-wife is powerful. Others have pointed out that the lead character never changes, the perceptions of others change. This makes his actual transformation that much more effective. This movie is a real find.

This movie is disturbing. Starts out almost as a "procedural" but grows more thrilling as you begin to discover what the Woods character really is. I identified with the Dennehy character, with his initial skepticism, and growing realization that Woods is what he said he is, and worse. Woods nails the role, the psychopath with pride in his workmanship, with a three dimensional performance that is gripping and frightening. Dennehy is wonderful in the complementary role. The chemistry between them is exquisite. I think this movie will, in time, receive more recognition.