Watch Picture Claire

Picture Claire is a suspenseful crime drama that was released in 2001, directed by Bruce McDonald. The film stars Juliette Lewis as Claire Beaucage, a young woman who finds herself embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with corrupt police officers after witnessing a murder. The movie begins with Claire, a young hairdresser who lives in Montreal, receiving a cryptic phone call from a man who identifies himself as "Elton". The caller tells her to come to a specific location to pick up a package that will change her life, but when she arrives, she finds him dead in his apartment. Claire is no stranger to trauma and loss, as we learn that her father was murdered when she was young, and her mother recently passed away from cancer.

Unfortunately for Claire, the police arrive at the scene of the crime, and they immediately suspect her of being involved in the murder. In particular, two detectives named Li (played by Mickey Rourke) and Church (played by Gina Gershon) begin to pursue Claire relentlessly, convinced that she has some connection to the dead man. At first, Claire tries to explain that she is innocent, but after being beaten and threatened by the detectives, she realizes that she needs to go on the run to avoid being framed for the crime.

As Claire tries to evade the police and clear her name, she finds herself in some very dangerous situations. She is taken hostage by a gang of French-speaking thugs who are also after the package that Elton sent her, and she is forced to make a deal with a violent pimp named Eddie (played by Callum Keith Rennie) in order to get away from them. Throughout her ordeal, Claire's only goal is to get the evidence she needs to prove her innocence and bring the real killer to justice.

What sets Picture Claire apart from other crime dramas is its unique visual style and soundtrack. The film features a lot of handheld camera work and quick cuts, giving it a frenetic and almost chaotic feel. At times, the editing can be disorienting, but it also adds to the sense of urgency and danger that Claire is facing. Additionally, the soundtrack includes a lot of music from Canadian artists, such as The Tea Party and Bran Van 3000, which helps to establish the film's distinct sense of place.

The performances in Picture Claire are also noteworthy. Juliette Lewis gives a vulnerable yet determined performance as Claire Beaucage, and she manages to make the character sympathetic even when she is making questionable choices. Gina Gershon and Mickey Rourke both play their roles with a menacing intensity, making them truly terrifying villains. Callum Keith Rennie also shines as Eddie, bringing a sense of humor and charisma to what could have been a one-dimensional character.

Overall, Picture Claire is a taut and gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. While it may not be a perfect film, due in part to its occasionally confusing editing and nonlinear storytelling, it is definitely worth watching for its strong performances and unique style. Fans of crime dramas or suspenseful thrillers are sure to appreciate the film's gritty realism and tense atmosphere.

Picture Claire is a 2001 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.