Les Diaboliques 1955

Cast:
Simone Signoret - Nicole Horner
Véra Clouzot - Christina Delassalle (as Vera Clouzot)
Paul Meurisse   - Michel Delassalle
Charles Vanel - Alfred Fichet, le commissaire
Jean Brochard  - Plantiveau, le concierge
Pierre Larquey - M.Drain, professeur

“Les Diaboliques” has one of the best plots you will ever find in any mystery or suspense thriller. The excellent directing, acting, and writing combine with the story itself to make it a memorable experience. If you enjoy quality mysteries or thrillers, you will almost certainly enjoy this one - and if you have not seen it yet, you might just want to buy or rent it now, before you read any more reviews. This comment will avoid any discussion at all of the actual plot itself, because the less you know in advance, the more you will enjoy it. The few implausible elements in the story do not detract at all from the enjoyment.

Although the film begins quite slowly and innocently, it very quickly becomes thoroughly compelling, to the point that the viewer dare not take his eyes off the screen for a second.  The last twenty minutes is so perfectly crafted that the effect is both frightening and intoxicating.  Even when you guess correctly the outcome, the shock is still there.

Clouzet directs the film with the skill of a true master of the genre, maximising contributions from his actors and photographers.  How he manages to achieve the sense of ever-increasing tension towards the film’s incredible climax is unfathomable, yet the end result cannot be denied.  By deliberately playing with our expectations and holding back developments to the last possible moment, Clouzet torments his audience, in much the same way that his characters Nicole and Christina are driven almost to distraction by what they see or expect to see.

Les Diaboliques is not only a classic of the genre, it is the blueprint from which so many of today’s suspense films use as a guide. Even the great Alfred Hitchcock was inspired by this macabre masterpiece from French director Henri Clouzot. I just finished watching the Criterion DVD of this gem and, although it is not as pristine as some other Criterion offerings, it does represent the best quality you are likely to find of this better than 40-year-old film.

There are three reference standard items to watch for in this film. Naturally, the ending is what garners the most attention and the fact that Clouzot originated the idea of asking his audience not to reveal it to other would-be filmgoers. But, the cinematography used here is excellent in all its black and white glory. The opening credit sequence with raindrops splashing on the pavement in the background is captivating. The third item to watch for is the portrayal of the police inspector. Not only is it an uncanny resemblance to Peter Falk in his Columbo character — this is in fact the very character that inspired Columbo and his idiosyncracies (ie. rumpled look, cigar, seemingly distracted manner).

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