Summary
Fred is a police inspector charged with investigating the murder of an informer, whose
dismembered remains were found in rubbish bags. After the recent tragic death of
his daughter, Fred allows his work to absorb him and he becomes obsessed with bringing
his prime suspect to book...
Review
This dark thriller is more than anything a study in the destructive power of guilt and
solitude. The two main characters, the police inspector, Fred, and Gravier, the
suspect he constantly hassles, are trapped in their own introspective worlds, isolated
and corrupted by their contempt for an outside world they have lost faith in. This
intense character study is the film’s focus throughout, and their interaction is played
out with the subtlety and uncertainty of a chess game.
The film is distinguished by its slightly off-the-wall style, veering towards black comedy
of the darkest kind in a few places. Most of the film is shot in darkness or semi-darkness,
something which contributes to the stifling atmosphere of the film and overwhelming sense
of isolation. Unfortunately, the repetitive and dawdling plot gives the impression
that the film is treading water for a lot of the time.
Jean-Pierre Marielle is formidable in this, his first major screen role, a perfect anti-hero
whose affection for his dead daughter has warped his sensibilities way beyond normality.
Philippe Sarde’s haunting music provides the perfect finishing touch to this chilling
study in solitude.
© James Travers 2001
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