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The Crime is Mine

François Ozon is a curious director. His oeuvre is pretty disparate - the last three of his films I've seen were By the Grace of God, In the House and Potiche, each one quite different from the other. The Crime is Mine sees him in a light and breezy mood, as opposed to his more elliptical and moody side. It's a proper lark, this, too.

In 1935 Paris a young aspiring actress, Madeleine Verdier (played with winning brio by Nadia Tereszkiewicz) is accused of killing a Weinsteiny theatre producer. Her lawyer housemate, Pauline Mauléon (an equally excellent Rebecca Marder) convinces her to take the rap so she can defend her honour in court. The forthcoming legal success brings publicity, plus offers of theatre and film work. Things are looking rosy until the real killer, Odette Chaumette (Isabelle Huppert, having a great time) tries to muscle in on the action.

This is a female-centred screwball comedy, that brings to mind a different era. Katherine Hepburn, Rosalind Russell or Jean Harlow wouldn't have looked out of place in this, maybe even Monroe at a pinch. That said, it's very French and played with a knowing confidence by all concerned. Huppert is virtually doing am-dram panto; Dany Boon as shifty ally, Palmarède is fantastic; while Fabrice Luchini, as judge/prosecutor Rabusset leaves it all out on the pitch. Special mention must go to André Dussollier, who has a brief role as Madeleine's potential father-in-law, Monsieur Bonnard. The set piece in his Italian Futurist-styled office is a highlight (see above).

In this type of film, getting the mix of ham and brie right can be very tricky but Ozon uses his manifold talents, and those of his cast, to make sure things don't get too pungent. It's also a treat on the eye and ear - the set and costume design is stagy but stylish, and there's a nicely jaunty score. And I might be wrong, but I thought I spotted the roof from Delicatessen as well.

The Crime is Mine opens Oct 12th at Luna and Palace cinemas in Perth, and other good cinemas around the country.

See also:

Ozon's Swimming Pool (2003) is a curiously gripping film and Huppert and Marder were both in Jean-Paul Salomé's The Godmother (aka Mother Weed) (2020).

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