A French crime comedy addresses serious themes with a light-hearted and stylish approach that provides endless entertainment, while being “beautifully acted”, according to fans
Directed by François Ozon and starring French acting legend Isabelle Huppert – along with acclaimed stars Nadia Tereszkiewicz, Rebecca Marder, Fabrice Luchini and André Dussollier – breezy crime comedy The Crime is Mine offers an alternative critique of fame, gender and the justice system.
Set in the 1930s, with suitably gorgeous costumes, the film follows a struggling actress who gains unexpected notoriety when she is acquitted of murder on the grounds of self-defence.
It was warmly received on its 2023 release and despite tackling serious issues surrounding cancel culture and Me Too in a theatrical and superficial way, it was praised for its feminist twist – and it is currently streaming on BBC iPlayer.
Madeleine Verdier (Tereszkiewicz) is an impoverished, struggling actress who lives with her friend, the client-light lawyer Pauline Mauléon (Marder), in a rundown flat in Paris in 1935. Madeleine, who is engaged to the jobless André Bonnard, goes to meet the theatre producer Montferrand, hoping to secure a leading part in a play.
However he attempts to rape her after she turns down a smaller role in return for becoming his mistress. She manages to escape serious physical harm but is visited by a police inspector afterwards who tells her Montferand has been murdered and she is a suspect.
After initially denying any involvement in the crime, she decides to plead self-defence after being advised that she may not be found guilty if she takes this route. Pauline, who represents her in court, writes an impassioned speech for Madeleine to perform in front of the all-male jury, which eventually acquits her.
The notoriety of the case brings great fame for both women whose careers take off and lives are massively improved by their immense wealth – until former silent film actress Odette Chaumette (Huppert) turns up and reveals she murdered the predatory theatre boss.
Widely hailed as a wonderful piece of entertainment, critics praise the performances of the acclaimed actors, as well as admire the stunning visuals and charm.
“With urbane confidence, the film rattles its way through jokes about rape, murder and what a later generation would call Me Too; a British or Hollywood movie might hesitate about appearing to make light of these things,” wrote The Guardian. “But this is a French film we’re talking about; very French. It is tightly drilled, robustly performed and entertainingly shallow.”
On Rotten Tomatoes where it scores a near-perfect 98% rating fans also share their admiration. “What a breath of fresh air. Silly, glorious, beautifully acted. The best hour and forty-two minutes I have spent watching something in a very long time. A welcome break from the usual dross,” wrote one.
Another hoped more would get to enjoy it. “This film is such great fun – witty, funny and full of big personalities,” they said. “Yes, it’s in French with subtitles. That doesn’t take away from the enjoyment at all. Watching this film left me feeling like I do after watching a truly excellent play – it is so deeply satisfying. I hope it is made available more widely.”
An impressed film buff also wrote: “François Ozon’s fanfic [i.e. fan fiction] for the Jazz Age steers clear of pastiche and is utterly charming – throwing a few curveballs to keep you on your toes.”
The Crime is Mine is currently streaming on BBC iPlayer
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