Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Diabolique (1955)

Diabolique / Les diaboliques (1955)
Diabolique / Les diaboliques (1955)

Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Director: Henri-Georges Clouzot
Starring: Simone Signoret, Véra Clouzot, Paul Meurisse
Duration: 114 min.
Rating: 9.0

Summary:
The fragile wife and the willful mistress of the sadistic headmaster of a boys' boarding school conspire to kill him, but after the murder is committed, strange events begin to plague the two women.



Diabolique is a film directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot, based on a novel titled She Who Was No More by Pierre Boileau and Thomas Narcejac, who also wrote the source novel for Hitchcock's Vertigo.  In fact, Hitchcock tried to acquire the rights to this one but lost out to Clouzot at the last minute, inspiring him to create his masterpiece Psycho which was made as a direct response to Diabolique.

Recently released on Blu-Ray by The Criterion Collection, the picture quality of this classic has been greatly enhanced from the faded VHS I remember viewing this on.  The contrast between shadow and light is much improved and really flesh out the suspenseful atmosphere of the film.   The sound has also been restored wonderfully, and for a film that has virtually no musical score, the emphasis and clarity of the environmental sounds also add to the viewing experience.

This is a masterfully directed film that is often placed on top horror lists, but is better described as a mystery thriller.  The plot twists, suspense, and tension build up, especially towards the climax, were unique and groundbreaking for its time, and have inspired countless other films in the fifty plus years since its release.  Yet after all this time it still maintains the ability to surprise and shock, I suspect because it remains one of the relatively lesser seen classics.

The acting works well, and Véra Clouzot (also the director's wife), is fantastic as Christina, the headmaster's frail wife, but like most films from that era, the overall performances do feel somewhat staged.  Still it is the chilling atmosphere and the riveting suspense of the finale that make this one a must see film.

Diabolique / Les diaboliques (1955)

Diabolique / Les diaboliques (1955)

Diabolique / Les diaboliques (1955)

Diabolique / Les diaboliques (1955)

Diabolique / Les diaboliques (1955)

Diabolique / Les diaboliques (1955)

Diabolique / Les diaboliques (1955)

Diabolique / Les diaboliques (1955)

19 comments:

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Thank you.  I've spent way too much time on the design lately, I'm glad its noticed.

Thenitefalls said...

I love the atmosphere in the trailer, it gives that eery feeling. If its part of the criterion collection it's a must watch for me!

Lesya said...

Wow, thank you for this review. It looks very interesting. Besides, I do love mystery thrillers. And on IMDb, it is rated 8.3 -- it's a big compliment to the movie.

The Angry Lurker said...

Great movie, real classic.

Tim B. said...

Hoes, this is why you don't kill a man.

The Reel Foto said...

interesting....

Jack L said...

I loved this film, one of my all time favourites.
I did not even begin to suspect that it would end the way it did, such a shock!
Clouzot was a real master, in some ways I'd say he surpasses Hitchcock...
Both Le Salaire De La Peur and Le Corbeau are excellent and Le Quai Des Orfevres is great as well, I'd recommend them.

Hermann Rorschach said...

This sounds really creepy.  That very last screenshot you have there...
*shiver*

d_4 said...

I feel a bit bad for not having heard of it, especially when it seems like such a classic and like it has so many things 'still' going for it. It's going on the movie list.

Biff said...

 Never heard of this one, marked thanks

Gonzalo Garcia-Castro said...

seems like a fantastic film!

Adalmin said...

Oo, murder, intrigue, and the supernatural! Sounds like it's right up my alley :D

Bonjour Tristesse said...

I don't often trust IMDB scores but this one deserves the high rating.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Sometimes I question the choices they add to their catalog, but it is usually a pretty good indicator.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

I agree, there are very few instances when I am genuinely shocked cinematically and that was one of them.

I have yet to see Le Corbeau and Le Quai Des Orfevres, I should rectify that.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

That whole scene is the epitome of creepiness

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Don't feel bad, even I frequently discover classic films I've never heard of previously.

Kalli said...

This is a fantastic film. Thanks for following my blog. I love the layout of yours! It looks pretty! 

CastorTroy said...

Wonderful  movie indeed with a stunning ending. A bit Hitchcockian in a sense especially in its final third.

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