Floating around the art house circuit these days is a restored version of
Henri-Georges Clouzot's 1955 murder mystery, Diabolique. Easily
overlooked because of its limited re-release distribution, this picture may
demand some active searching to unearth. It is well worth the effort. With a
deliciously curvy and complex plot, Diabolique is a masterpiece of
suspense -- as accomplished as anything done by Hitchcock.
Unlike many noir thrillers, Diabolique uses as much time to refine its
characters as to develop the plot. By never pushing the film's more contrived
aspects to an excess, Clouzot crafts a gripping, chillingly-believable scenario.
The moments of irreverent humor are seamlessly incorporated so as not to disturb
the overall tone. With its keen insight into the base aspects of human nature,
Diabolique has a great deal more to offer than a traditional genre entry.
The less said about the plot, the better, since any excess of detail is
likely to afford an unwanted peek around one of Diabolique's many
corners. In essence, this is the story of two women who conspire to murder one
man. The intended victim is Michel Delasalle (Paul Meurisse), a despicable
person who abuses his women while flaunting his mistress in front of his wife.
The potential killers are Christina Delasalle (played by Vera Clouzot, the
director's wife), the ailing, fragile wife, and Nicole Horner (Simone Signoret),
the mistress who wears sunglasses to conceal her latest shiner.
The three leads all turn in impeccable performances. Paul Meurisse gives an
entirely convincing portrayal of a man with no redeeming qualities. Michel
Delasalle is a nasty piece of work. In his position as the director of a
boarding school, he's the boys' worst nightmare. Simone Signoret is suitably
no-nonsense as the practical mistress, and Vera Clouzot is an effective blend of
meekness and steel as the wife who is both repelled by and enticed by the
thought of killing her wretched husband.
Perfectly-paced and constructed with diabolical cleverness, this film
represents a pinnacle in atmospheric suspense. The restored print, which
includes several previously-trimmed scenes, is clean and crisp, making
Diabolique every bit as enjoyable as Hollywood's best current offerings.
From
movie-reviews.colossus.net
<
BACK