This early Claude Chabrol thriller is rarely seen, but it's just as good as most of his later, more widely acclaimed films. The beginning is a little too languid (as one character puts it, their job is "to do nothing with distinction"), but once the first murder occurs, the film transforms into a gripping, Hitchcockian mystery. Chabrol is collaborating with his regular cinematographer and composer, so the photography and the music are up to his usual high standards. There are some stunningly beautiful women (Stephane Audran in red lingerie is worth the price of admission by herself....and why is Suzanne Lloyd so little-known?), and an equally stunning plot twist. But you must also be prepared for one of the strangest, most open-ended final shots you will ever see! *** out of 4.
Review of The Champagne Murders
