By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 3.75 cats
Director: Justine Triet
Starring: Antoine Reinartz | Milo Machado Graner | Samuel Theis | Sandra Hüller | Swann Arlaud
Original language title: Anatomie d'une chute
Year: 2023
Running time: 151
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17009710/reference/
Brett says: “Justine Triet’s ANATOMY OF A FALL could be viewed as French cinema’s answer to CourtTV. While such a statement may trivialize the layers and depth therein, at its core, the premise is presented early on, and every scene thereafter is a dramatic thriller drenched with the ins and outs of pre-trial preparation, collateral paranoia and anxiety, and courtroom intrigue once the matter enters the halls of justice.
“Best Seller Fiction lists often feature this sort of family courtroom thrill ride, so it’s no surprise that audiences will be flocking to this title to see it unveil in cinematic form. To its credit, it is difficult to think of another narrative feature so immersed in the minutiae of courtroom prep and trial footage, so it is very much a landmark film in that regard.
At the same time, the film adequately weaves in familial relationship studies while taking the occasional breather from long court sessions or legal proceedings. After all, the title is not just about dissecting the details of an untimely death; it is equally a reference to the fall and death of a marriage that is unveiled alongside the analysis of the dead body itself.
“The drawbacks to this film are not in its lack of intricacies; it is more of a matter of flaunting them. The real hero of this film is Sandra Hüller in her portrayal of an accused writer/translator balancing self-preservation with familial responsibility. Without her commitment and believability, it is highly doubtful that the steam to keep this heavy engine running just wouldn’t be sustainable. There is a line in the film that fits as ominous self-fulfilling prophecy if it were not for Hüller’s command, and it comes from Hüller’s character herself: ‘There were too many words at this trial.’ 3 cats out of 5“
Chris says: “Nearly as suspenseful as the best Hitchcock while also considerably more humanist in its depictions of the main character and her son. The trial scenes can be a bit much (e.g. the smug prosecutor) but overall this plays like a riveting page-turner of a novel. 4.5 cats“