Watch Genealogies of a Crime
- 1997
- 1 hr 54 min
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6.4 (934)
Genealogies of a Crime is a 1997 French thriller directed by Raúl Ruiz and starring Catherine Deneuve, Michel Piccoli, and Melvil Poupaud. The movie tells the story of Jeanne, played by Deneuve, a psychoanalyst who is convinced that her patient, Bernard, played by Poupaud, is responsible for the murder of his aunt. To prove her theory, Jeanne embarks on an investigation to uncover the truth behind the crime.
The movie opens with a courtroom scene, where Bernard is on trial for the murder of his aunt. Jeanne is in attendance, observing the trial and taking note of the details of the case. She is not convinced of Bernard's guilt, and when he is found guilty and sentenced to life in prison, she decides to take matters into her own hands.
Jeanne begins to investigate the case, digging into the details of the murder and the relationship between Bernard and his aunt. She discovers that Bernard had a troubled childhood, and that he was deeply attached to his aunt, who had raised him after his mother died.
As Jeanne delves deeper into the case, she becomes convinced that Bernard is innocent and that the true culprit is someone else entirely. Her investigation leads her to confront the real killer, and the shocking truth about Bernard's aunt's murder is finally revealed.
Throughout the movie, Jeanne's character is complex and enigmatic. She is a skilled analyst, constantly examining the motives and behavior of those around her, but also prone to her own obsessions and fixations. Deneuve delivers a powerful performance, capturing the character's contradictions and complexities with subtlety and nuance.
Piccoli, as the judge presiding over the trial, provides a counterpoint to Jeanne's character. He is skeptical of her theories and dismissive of her ideas, representing the establishment and the system that Jeanne is fighting against.
Poupaud, as Bernard, is a sympathetic and troubled figure. His character is haunted by his past, and he struggles to come to terms with the emotions and actions that led to his aunt's murder. Poupaud delivers a nuanced and emotionally charged performance, capturing the character's inner turmoil and conflict.
Ruiz's direction is masterful, weaving together the various threads of the story into a complex and intriguing tapestry. The movie is full of twists and turns, keeping the audience engaged and guessing until the very end.
Overall, Genealogies of a Crime is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller, featuring powerful performances and expert direction. It is a must-see for fans of the genre and for anyone interested in exploring the mysteries of human behavior and motive.