Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)
Released 10-13-2023
Watched 01-30-2024
Reviewed 02-01-2024
Rented From iTunes
"My love. I just want you to know that I'm not that monster, you know. Everything you hear in the trial it's just.. it's twisted. It wasn't like that."
"Anatomy of a Fall" (2023), directed by Justine Triet, is a French legal drama thriller that intricately weaves a narrative of suspense, emotion, and the quest for truth within the confines of a courtroom and a troubled family. Sandra Hüller delivers a compelling performance as Sandra Voyter, a German novelist entangled in the web of proving her innocence in the mysterious death of her husband, Samuel Maleski. The film's strength lies in its ability to keep the audience engaged through its complex characters and the moral ambiguities of their actions.
Triet's direction, coupled with the screenplay co-written with Arthur Harari, masterfully portrays the psychological depth and the tension that builds up in the claustrophobic setting of an isolated mountain chalet and the courtroom. The cinematography and the use of sound, or lack thereof, particularly the haunting score that resonates with the film's thematic elements of suspicion and despair, are noteworthy. Hüller's nuanced portrayal of a woman caught in the crossfire of her past actions and the relentless pursuit of justice adds a layer of depth to the narrative.
However, the runtime of 2 hours and 32 minutes feels unnecessarily prolonged, with several scenes that could have been condensed or omitted without detracting from the overall story. The editing could have been tighter to maintain a more engaging pace and to enhance the film's narrative focus. Furthermore, the bilingual nature of the film, with almost equal parts in English and French, might pose a challenge for viewers not fluent in both languages, leading to a reliance on subtitles that could detract from the experience.
The conclusion of the film leaves much to be desired, with an ambiguous ending that may leave audiences pondering the fate of the characters rather than providing a satisfying resolution. This open-endedness, while artistically valid, might not resonate with all viewers, especially those seeking a clear conclusion to the intricately woven narrative threads.
In summary, "Anatomy of a Fall" is a film that stands out for its strong performances, especially by Sandra Hüller, and its ambitious storytelling. However, its impact is somewhat diminished by its overextended runtime and an ending that may leave audiences wanting more clarity. Despite these shortcomings, it remains a thought-provoking piece that showcases Triet's ability to craft a compelling drama that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the elusive nature of truth.