Scene of the Crime

It is generally considered that Catherine Deneuve 'came of age' as an actress in 'Le Dernier Métro' for Francois Truffaut. Their relationship had been far more than purely professional and his death four years later prompted her to take a much-needed break from filming. When she returned to the fray she made this film for André Téchiné with whom she had already established a strong professional rapport in 'Hotel des Amériques'.

Téchiné was renowned for his skill with actors and his style of direction suited her perfectly, so much so that four more collaborations were to come, notably 'Ma Saison Préférée'.

Although very much a vehicle for his leading actress, every character is well drawn in this portrait of fractured relationships and family disintegration. Téchiné excelled in depicting what one critic has termed 'outward conformity and inner confusion' and this film is certainly no exception.

Téchiné has elicited a marvellous performance from Nicolas Giraudi as her troubled teenage son whilst Victor Lanoux is pitch-perfect as her ex-husband. Claire Nebout makes a striking debut whilst the charismatic Wadeck Stanczac appears in his second film for this director. The grandmother who vainly tries to keep up appearances and preserve the family unit is played by Danielle Darrieux, a doyenne of French cinema and one of its true 'greats'.

The somewhat melodramatic material has been tempered by the literate script and by Téchiné's sensitive, elegant direction. The natural setting is beautifully captured by Pascal Marti whilst Philippe Sarde's score is effective but never intrusive.

Mlle Deneuve fondly remembered her participation in this as giving her a pleasure similar to that she had experienced when making 'Le Dernier Métro' and Téchiné freely admitted that their collaboration was the only area where his work showed continuity. Every director needs a Muse and some are lucky enough to find one.