Review of Love Crime (2010) by Jeffrey C — 20 Aug 2012

"Crimer d'Amour" is a slick, twisted, and classy thriller that is a terrific swan song from veteran French director Alain Corbeau. Like most of his films, "Crime d'Amour" is well-directed and intelligent, and though there's moments of melodrama, you can't deny how enteraining this film is, which includes revenge, murder, and romance.

We get an inside look into the life of Isabelle Guerin (Ludivine Sagnier), the protege of powerful company exec Christine (Kristin Scott Thomas). The two eventually strike up an unlikely friendship, but it's often marred when Christine takes the credit for many of Isabelle's ideas.

Isabelle shakes it off-- but after beginning an affair with Christine's boyfriend (Mille), things get a bit messy, and the two friends become enemies. After things get a bit too out of hand, Isabelle's intentions begin to turn quite a bit deadly-- with Christine as her target.

Throughout the twists and turns of "Crime d'Amour" there isn't one minute that you're bored, and none of the twists are predictable. You have to give credit to Ludivine Sagnier and Kristiin Scott Thomas--Sagnier gives an impressive, potent performance, and Thomas is wonderful as her sadistic employer.

They bring what could be a simple crime thriller to life, and are a joy to watch together. Corbeau directs every scene with detail and perfection, and the sharp editing helps the first class setting turn into a crime scene.

"Crime d'Amour" is a terrific example of how unpredictable and shocking a thriller has the potential to do. Recommended.