Review of Elle (2016) by Alex H — 13 Mar 2017

Simply put, in my view, Elle is a post-feminist masterpiece that contains one of the tightest screenplays, the best character development and performances i've seen all awards season. How Elle wasn't nominated for Best Foreign Language film or even Best Picture is beyond me.

Isabelle Huppert is flawless as Michéle and gives in my opinion one of the best screen performances by an actress ever. How she lost out to Emma Stone is COMPLETELY beyond me. Her charm and wit coupled with frank shallow coldness transcends the picture from what could be a lurid revenge piece to a deftly astute character study.

The slightest movement of her eyebrow tells us all exactly what she's thinking yet at the same time she can completely surprise the audience with the most nuanced of glances. The plot is as succinct as it is subversive while still holding to the ideals of french "slice of life" style cinema.

The supporting characters, the family and friends of Michéle, all have their moment to shine and storylines that revolve around our lead actress that aid to the films richness. To single out any one actor or actress would be an injustice to the ensemble feel of the production despite the fact Isabelle Huppert is as magnificent as she is.

The scenes of sexual violence are gripping and stomach turing but at the same time Elle has a devilish sense of humour rife throughout the picture that don't in anyway shape or form undercut the horrors of what Huppert's character goes through.

Paul Verhoeven has made his finest work in Elle and Isabelle Huppert and screenwriter David Birke has gifted us one of the best rounded female characters cinema has yet to offer. Yeah it's got subtitles but get a grip and go see it!