Film: Tell No One
Release date: 15th October 2007
Certificate: 15
Running time: 126 mins
Director: Guillaume Canet
Starring: Marie-Josee Croze, Nathalie Baye, Andre Dussollier, Jean Rochefort, Kristin Scott Thomas
Genre: Crime/Drama/Mystery/Thriller
Studio: Revolver
Format: DVD
Country: France
A sensation in its native France, Tell No One went on to capture a lot of attention around the continent. Based on the novel by American writer Harlan Cobern, this really is the rarest thing: a French film of American origin. Guillaume Canet directs and scribes a mystery that promises enough twists and turns to leave you dizzy. Nothing is what it seems.
Lifelong sweethearts Alexandre and Margot Beck take a midnight skinny dip at their favourite childhood lake. Sat in the moon light on a duck in the middle of the lake, they begin to squabble, and Margot swims back to land alone. Still in the lake, Alexandre hears Margot’s screams in the distance, and desperately swims back to her rescue. However, back on land, Margot is nowhere to be seen, and Alexandre is knocked unconscious.
The narrative picks up eight years later, with Alex still coming to terms with the murder of his wife. Himself a former suspect in the case, he works as a paediatrician haunted by his loss at the hands of a serial killer. He goes through the motions of his tender life until he begins to receive cryptic e-mails that suggest Margot is very much alive.
Alexandre goes in search of the truth - he is determined to expose an ominous cover-up, and desperate to once again see the face of his beloved Margot. Along the way, he encounters new allies, possible infidelities, and one of the most gripping chase scenes in modern cinema. He is wanted by police and criminals alike, but he will do whatever it takes...
The American feel of this movie goes deeper than just its source material, and young director Guillaume Canet’s Hollywood influences are clear. French audiences clearly found this reverse globalisation refreshing as the film swept the Cesar awards in 2006; however, Tell No One holds both the good and the bad of Hollywood.
The good comes in the shape of leading man Francoise Cluzet. The similarities with Dustin Hoffman do not stop with his striking physical resemblance. Cluzet plays the part of Alex with a determination and devotion that will have you feeling his pain and fighting in his corner. He is emotionally blank when we see him eight years after the loss of his wife, but still conscientious as a doctor - thoughtful and shyly humorous. His likeability makes his emotional fragility all the more heartfelt – at any moment ready to burst into tears or fly off in rage. Canet really does run him ragged, and not just emotionally - Hoffman similarities are seen as Alexandre jumps out of windows and sprints across busy highways, recalling the likes of Marathon Man.
French film fans expecting a talky melodrama will be surprised by the action-packed nature and frenetic pace, which Canet directs with assuring confidence. The non-stop action, constant flow of incident and new possibilities do come at an exhausting rate. This is truly a thrill ride from start to finish, and installs a desperation not just in its protagonist but its audience, too - you will be forgiven for feeling like you may have missed something. As frustrating as this can be, it is hard is give up on the drive of the story.
Alex’s quest is valiant and worthy of your attention, but he does meet a fair few stale points on his journey. Despite a beautifully French-speaking part for English star Kristen Scott Thomas, and not a wooden performance in sight, we encounter a lot of standard American character types along the way. In particular, Alexandre’s unlikely alliance with gangster Bruno conjures images of a role for a rapper like 50 Cent or X-Zibet when the American remake comes about, plus there is an all too familiar mix of maverick cops and hard talking lawyers.
It is a shame, also, that the mystery of the story is explained at the end through one character’s confession. With all the red herrings and plot holes it leaves untouched, you could be left wanting a more natural uncovering of the truth. This, however, is saved both by our relief at finally being able to put to bed a head spinning mystery.
The joy of this film stems from a representation of adult love that is consistently believable and worthy of a fight. The onscreen chemistry of Alexandre and Margot shows a love and wanting that is truly incessant - Marie-Josée Croze’s angelic face holds all the pain of a shattered life. Even a soundtrack including Jeff Buckley and U2 sets a longing that elsewhere could be too sugar sweet and obvious.
This thriller provides both viscerally and emotionally. On the surface: bundles of action and adventure in chic Paris, below: a moving love story. Guillaume Canet shows why he is so highly regarded in his home country with his portrayal of lost love, betrayal and human triumph. Americanised misgivings do not stop this being a definite one to watch. LW
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