andyadamson1

A very timely French policier that has strong contemporary relevance in the UK given the recent focus on the role of the Police in investigating violence against women. We know that a young woman has been murdered in horrific circumstances from the first 5 minutes, but the focus is on an initially all male investigative team as they try and piece together the stories of potential suspects. It's probably the most accurate depiction I've ever seen of the drudgery of investigation and the difficulty in drawing conclusions amidst all of the evidence. Black cats appear in several scenes taunting the Police. As the film develops, it's clear we are seeing a critique of male assumptions about the case. The captain in charge is struggling to control his team while quietly crumbling inside. There's is a superb line at one stage where he says "Something is wrong between men and women. Every one of them could have done it. Every man could have." In light of the Casey Report, this gains more relevance than it would have and Dominic Moll has form as a Director in portraying toxic masculinity. "Harry He's Here To Help" from 2000 was a masterclass in creepiness. The Police are lost in this film and this is reflected in the lighting and camerawork: still or slow moving images with half light, the norm as if there is something lurking out of shot nobody can see.

Rather stunned at the low average score. I saw this when it came out and was amazed. Watched for a third time today, 22 years later and it's just as good. Brilliant cast, beautifully filmed and scored yet preserves the dark heart of Highsmith' s novels.