Movie Review : Diabolique

Title : Diabolique
Language : French
Year : 1955

Director : Henri-Georges Clouzot

Genre : Thriller, Mystery

Lead Role : Simone Signoret, Vera Clouzot, Paul Meurisse

Just watched this two hour long movie, and I am in a dazed state. Can’t really believe this edge of the seat thriller was visualized way back in 1950s! For an introduction of the plot, it is about a harsh and sadistic headmaster of a school, and how his wife and sympathetic mistress hatch a plan together to finish him off. Well, the movie is much more than that but I’m not going to reveal any of it and spoil the party.

The word ‘realistic’ was given a whole new dimension by the makers. For instance, there is a particular scene that shows a couple listening to a questionnaire program on radio. The husband tries to answer the questions, and he looks at his wife in a proud manner whenever his answer was right. Those who watch KBC or similar shows must have experienced similar situations. There are no unwanted scenes, and the actors have done their job very neat. Despite not being a horror flick, the last fifteen minutes or so would leave you with your heart in your mouth. They have pulled off a commendable job in maintaining the thrill up to the very last minute. Moreover, the final message to viewers was innovative.

PS: Besides the suspense et al, something that left me amused was the use of electric trains six decades back.

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Chennai Tidbits

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