Film Shapes

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 Je...