L'Enfer on DVD (1993)

Throwing it all away

RustyT from Dorset , 20/05/2004

This is by all accounts an accurate depiction of the breakdown of a marriage caused by paranoia.

It will appeal to connoisseurs of that genre although quite honestly it didn't appeal to me.

Paul (François Cluzet) and Nelly (Emmanuelle Béart) have an idyllic marriage, it would seem. They're deeply in love, they have their child, they run a lovely lakeside hotel in southern France: they have it all. But Paul becomes jealous, and this, it becomes clear in the Chabrol script,is a clinical illness which needs treating.

Which of us, faced with this situation, could identify this so clearly? At first they don't know what they're dealing with. Before the end of the film, it is apparent that Nelly has had one dust-up too many, and she seeks help. If Chabrol's the name, don't expect easy solutions.

I would say it was an excellent film. with good acting and superlative feel-good photography. As to whether it might appeal to you, I'd hope this review might help a little.

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Mad with jealous doubt

Zamy from London [Highly rated reviewer] , 17/12/2004

This is a film about jealous obsession and how it can destroy a man from within. Chabrol films with lots of Hitchcockian touches and clearly has a dark view of human feelings and motivations. It is an interesting touch that it is never entirely clear whether the wife is unfaithful or not. She is certainly very beautiful, an object of desire, and Beart's performance is excellent. It is Clouzot as the jealous husband who has to carry the main thrust of the film and, good as he is, not every scene is brought off with complete beleivability. Nevertheless, this is a good example of Chabrol's filmic preoccupations and must rank with his best work. Well worth renting.

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Difficult but worth the effort.

JG Weston from Chelmsford, Essex , 16/02/2005

This is a French film so it is no surprise that it deals with relationships. It explores the results of obsessive jealousy.

The film is difficult in that at first it just looks like a straightforward narrative film. As it progresses however, we realise that we see it from the perspective of the husband's mind. Since he is possesed of this jealousy he doesn't always see things as they really are, which means we need to think about what we see and maybe reinterpret what has gone before.

It could be confusing if you don't pay attention, but Chabrol gives clear clues in his filming to what is going on. If you enjoy films that you need to think about and can reflect on in the days after viewing then this is worth renting. I think it can also be seen more than once, getting more from on it on subsequent viewings.

The main extra, quite short, is worth viewing as it explains how the film came originally from Cluzot who started to make a version which may have been even more difficult than this one.

If you were really baffled by the film then try the Chabrol commentary, on a shortened version of the film covering the main scenes only. I don't normally bother with these, but in this case it does give some insights into his craft, particularly worthwhile if you are going to view the film a second time.

There are some lovely cinematic effects in this film, I can see why Chabrol is a respected film director.

JG

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Complex investigation into madness

A customer from surrey, uk , 02/10/2005

A great film. Difficult to follow, but the director's commentary really helps - sometimes the blur between reality and imagination is deliberate, so you experience the confusion as well as Paul. You will have to put some effort into watching this, but will be rewarded with an interesting and intelligent presentation of the symptoms of madness as it takes hold.

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Throwing it all away

RustyT from Dorset , 20/05/2004

This is by all accounts an accurate depiction of the breakdown of a marriage caused by paranoia.

It will appeal to connoisseurs of that genre although quite honestly it didn't appeal to me.

Paul (François Cluzet) and Nelly (Emmanuelle Béart) have an idyllic marriage, it would seem. They're deeply in love, they have their child, they run a lovely lakeside hotel in southern France: they have it all. But Paul becomes jealous, and this, it becomes clear in the Chabrol script,is a clinical illness which needs treating.

Which of us, faced with this situation, could identify this so clearly? At first they don't know what they're dealing with. Before the end of the film, it is apparent that Nelly has had one dust-up too many, and she seeks help. If Chabrol's the name, don't expect easy solutions.

I would say it was an excellent film. with good acting and superlative feel-good photography. As to whether it might appeal to you, I'd hope this review might help a little.

Read all highest rated reviews

Complex investigation into madness

A customer from surrey, uk , 02/10/2005

A great film. Difficult to follow, but the director's commentary really helps - sometimes the blur between reality and imagination is deliberate, so you experience the confusion as well as Paul. You will have to put some effort into watching this, but will be rewarded with an interesting and intelligent presentation of the symptoms of madness as it takes hold.

Read all highest rated reviews