La Garce (1984)
Directed by Christine Pascal

Film Review

La Garce is essentially a conventional crime thriller which, although well photographed and well acted, seems to lack depth and imagination.  The behaviour of the film's central characters - particularly Lucien and Aline - isn't properly explained and the film's ending just seems to leave too many questions unanswered.

However, whilst the characterisation is a little shallow, the performances from the film's stars, Richard Berry and Isabelle Huppert, are enjoyable and both actors show their worth in what are clearly two very difficult roles.  The moody photography and a typically threatening performance from Italian actor Vittorio Mezzogiorno give the film its slightly sinister edge.

Film Synopsis

One evening, a young police officer named Lucien Sabatier comes to the aid of 17-year-old Aline Kaminker when she is unceremoniously thrown out of a car.  Lucien is easily aroused by Aline's overt sensuality and cannot resist making love to her.  In doing so, he is led to think that he has the young woman's consent.  He is therefore astounded when she goes off to the police and immediately charges him with rape.  The allegation holds up in court and Lucien finds himself behind bars for a crime of which he believes he is totally innocent.

After completing his six-year stretch in prison, Lucien sets himself up as a private detective and is soon hired to investigate a couturier, Édith Weber, who is believed to be copying the designs of the big fashion houses.  Lucien is surprised to find that Édith is the exact likeness of the woman he is alleged to have raped six years ago.  In fact, it turns out to be one in the same woman.  What at first seems to be a remarkable coincidence turns out to be something quite different...