Diabolically Yours

Right from the opening credits (which, by the way, are very cool; notice how the words seem to respond rhythmically to the music), it's easy to see that this film bears a striking resemblance to the 1991 thriller "Shattered": we have a car accident, a woman who mysteriously survives without a scratch and a man who gets badly injured, develops amnesia, and tries to piece together the puzzle of his previous life but senses that something isn't quite right, something doesn't add up. The plot is enigmatic and twisty but has some holes, and it won't fool anyone who's previously seen "Shattered" (or "Gaslight", for that matter). But Duvivier's innovative direction makes this a surprisingly undated thriller. Alain Delon gives one of his liveliest performances...and who could forget to mention Senta Berger's terrific body? (***)

For his last movie, Julien Duvivier invites Alain Delon, Senta Berger, and... color! This astonishing film is truly dazzling by the beauty of its plans and by its light. Too bad Duvivier didn't have the chance to make more color films.. True to his habit, the talented Duvivier leads us by the nose in a story full of pretenses, lies and manipulations. The beauty of the actors and the sets sharply contrasts with the unhealthy relationships between the characters ... An absolute must see!

I usually confound this film, in Alain Delon's filmography, with LES FELINS. Same period, same kind of atmosphere; a lonely and handsome - Alain Delon - man somewhere "prisoner" of circumstances, as Clint Eastwood in THE BEGUILED; though this latest comparison is far more obvious with LES FELINS. This Duvivier's feature is less powerful and convincing than the René Clément's one, typical of the fifties and sixties. They don't make such films anymore, with such schemes and topics. But it's good, not the best of this great director, who was shining in the thrities with movies such as LA BANDERA, LA BELLE EQUIPE. Duvivier died after the shooting in a car accident, because of a brain damage.

When a viewer watches a thriller directed by Julien Duvivier with Alain Delon and Senta Berger, his or her expectation is of at least of a great film. Unfortunately the swan song of Mr. Duvivier is an absolutely flawed and deceptive film, with a terrible storyline and a screenplay with many plot holes and lack of character development. The situations are absurd and unbelievable and the open ending disappointing. My vote is five.

Title (Brazil): "Diabolicamente Tua" ("Diabolically Yours")

I have no way of knowing whether this film might have worked, had I not read the blurb at kanopy, which gave away the game. Talk about a spoiler! There are many film references here, to Plein Soleil, Diabolique, et al., but the film lacks the subtlety and nuance of those creations--at least I think. Would it have been a surprise, if I had not already been told the gist of the story before I watched the film? C'est dommage.