Thursday 30 March 2017

Film: 'Elle'

Any Paul Verhoeven film is an event, and this one easily qualifies as being just that.
I'd been waiting to see this for weeks, such has been the 'buzz', but it's been showing at near-impossible screening times - that is until today, right at the end of its run, when it fortuitously  had a single morning matinee showing. So to go I was compelled.

Isabelle Huppert is at the heart of this French-language film, playing a divorcee living alone in a Paris house with her cat - and who, in the very opening scene, is subject to a violent assault and rape by a masked intruder. She has, of course, no idea who the assailant was.  Most films, after starting like this, would concentrate on her attempts to uncover the identity of her attacker - and so this film does too to some extent, but in doing that it goes off into most unexpected directions.  She has a past connected with a controversial and notorious event in her childhood which haunts her, and after this rape attack she does not report it to the police.
She is boss of a firm creating computer games, some grisly, with relations towards her staff being firm but sympathetic. She also enjoys a reasonably tolerant-friendly acquaintanceship with an over-the-road couple, including an ultra-religious young wife. However, when it comes to her own relations there's friction with all of them - her ex and his new partner, her mother and her much younger toy-boy also soon-to-be husband, her son and his shouty, expectant partner, as well as her imprisoned, advance-aged father whom she's virtually cut right out of her life.
There's an aspect of her personality that took me (and I'd guess nearly all of the audience) by complete surprise which puts a question mark over some of her conduct and attitudes. 

It's a story that defies prediction, Huppert's performance being faultless. It's more than just a thriller. I found, though, that now and again events and the conduct of Huppert's character did stretch credibility somewhat, though without actually snapping it.
I think at two hours ten minutes it was a good twenty minutes overlong (at least), but even so, Verhoeven keeps things moving ahead interestingly enough. 

By the way, I was a bit apprehensive in having seen Huppert's cat featured in the trailer, and every time the scene was in the house I was afraid that we'd see that her pet had come to an unfortunate end. If there's anyone who shares my particular mental trait I'm happy to report that no such fate takes place.

I'd been looking forward immensely to seeing this film. If, in the final analysis, it doesn't quite reach the heights I'd been hoping for it does come very close to it....................7.5.

8 comments:

  1. Huppert is one of the best actresses in France. I knew she wouldn't win, but happy she was recognized at the Oscars. I was happily surprised to see Charles Berling - it's been a long time. Liked the film, but found the ending a little unbelievable. I also was apprehensive about the cat.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The name of Charles Berling didn't register with me, Paul, and now that I've looked him up I don't know where I'd have seen him before. Maybe you've seen him on some TV film?

      Isabelle H. takes on the part with confidence, and it's a tricky one to play. Might have been easier if she was simply playing victim but it's a more variegated role than that, and I have to say she does it magnificently, though if there's any weakness it's in the story and not in her performance.

      Must say part of me felt a bit silly in even mentioning the cat, but with similar-minded people like you around I feel better now.

      Delete
  2. Ive heard mixed things about this on radio 4 but i will see it on this recommendation

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think you're going to like it, J.G. I think you might do so even more if you go with a wider notion of what the film might turn out to be. In no way is it a waste of time.

      Delete
  3. Ray,
    I too have been looking forward to seeing this film. Thanks for the heads up on the fate of the cat. I. Am of your "mental" too when it comes to cats or other pets featured in films. All too often they come to a bad end which I have no desire to see.
    Ron

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a pity, Ron, that when I know an animal features in a film (any animal, pet or otherwise) it distracts me disproportionally from all the rest of what's going on. But it was always thus with me. Anyway, pleased that you at least now know that it won't get in the way of your enjoying this commendable film.

      Delete
  4. Ray,
    I saw this film last night. It was one of the strangest I've ever seen. I was riveted but I don't know if I liked it. However, it is still in my mind and Ms. Huppert was excellent in her part. Some film. I'm not sure if I should recommend to my sensitive friend Pat.
    Ron

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's not what one might have expected after its start, Ron, which in a way makes t rather more intriguing. I felt uncomfortable with the Huppert character a number of times, which was a bit of a challenge also, but it certainly all helped in maintain interest. One never knew where t was going to go next. Even though I had reservations it is one I'd like to see again, so which would then be with the benefit of hindsight, which may well be a good thing in giving some perspective. But I'm with you in viewing it as a curious film, and with some merit.

      Delete