Review of Code Unknown (2000) by Jack F — 19 Oct 2009

Not Haneke's best work, but still well worth a watch if you are a fan of his other films, or indeed if you appreciate the medium of which he is clearly a master. The first scene is an extended tracking shot that goes back and forth repeatedly, following various characters within a tense situation, with the dialogue and sounds fading and changing as if we are there, walking along the Boulevard Saint-Germain.

There are neat tricks used throughout - long takes, fixed shots, lingering shots, actors portraying actors, Godardian black screens and mid-dialogue cuts - which all add to the uneasiness and alienating effects that are such a part of Haneke's work.

Binoche is, as ever, fantastic and utterly convincing in her role.