526 reviews
- PedroPires90
- Nov 5, 2023
- Permalink
- steiner-sam
- Oct 27, 2023
- Permalink
This film is a glorious exception to the rule that if a movie attempts to do too many things in its two hour time span then it will be disappointing. Not only is this film a gripping courtroom drama, the best I've seen since that previous "Anatomy", directed by Preminger, it is also a most acute examination of a miserable marriage as well as an uneasy mother/son relationship. That co writer and director Justine Triet manages to give moving, convincing renditions of each of these three subjects without putting undue strain upon my patience (I was never close to being bored) heralds, in my opinion, a most promising career. I definitely look forward to the next film by Ms. Triet and will, hopefully, be able to view her prior ones. And the lead actor, Sandra Huller, just may swoop in and make off with the Oscar.
It also has, thrown in free of charge, the best dog performance in a film since "Sounder". Give it an A.
PS...Remind me to never get arrested in France. Its legal system is, if this film can be trusted, more than a bit on the chaotic side. With an alarming tolerance for speculation. To mention nothing of witnesses viewing the trial!
It also has, thrown in free of charge, the best dog performance in a film since "Sounder". Give it an A.
PS...Remind me to never get arrested in France. Its legal system is, if this film can be trusted, more than a bit on the chaotic side. With an alarming tolerance for speculation. To mention nothing of witnesses viewing the trial!
Anatomy of a Fall is a French film that explores the ambiguity of how we create notions of the truth through complexity of a criminal case. The film refuses to answer the question of guilt or innocence, but rather examines how people construct their own narratives based on partial and biased information. The film shows how gender, media, and personal motives influence the interpretation of the facts. The son of the accused, who is the only witness, admits that he does not know what really happened, and that he has to make a choice about what to believe. The prosecutor, who seems to have a personal vendetta against the accused, also relies on assumptions and speculations rather than solid evidence. The film is a compelling and nuanced study of human psychology and social dynamics. The film is well-acted and directed, but it could have been shorter. Some scenes in the courtroom are repetitive and drag on for too long.
A lonely chalet in the French Alps. A dead man laying in the snow in front of it. Apparently he fell out of the third floor window under the roof.
Was it an accident? Suicide? Or a murderess attack? Whoever expects a conventional crime thriller with a final simple solution will be badly disappointed by this complex psychological drama about a female author fighting for her independence, dignity and her own truth in the courtroom, where she stands under suspicion to have killed her husband. But beware: truth has different aspects and different sides, depending on whoever tries to catch it. It comes in disguises, often invisible, always subjective.
In the end it's up to the viewer to make up his own mind about the case. While the investigation is unfolded Triets movie proudly walks in the footsteps of Ingmar Bergman, a classic analyst of complicated couple relationships and she truly succeeds in doing so.
Was it an accident? Suicide? Or a murderess attack? Whoever expects a conventional crime thriller with a final simple solution will be badly disappointed by this complex psychological drama about a female author fighting for her independence, dignity and her own truth in the courtroom, where she stands under suspicion to have killed her husband. But beware: truth has different aspects and different sides, depending on whoever tries to catch it. It comes in disguises, often invisible, always subjective.
In the end it's up to the viewer to make up his own mind about the case. While the investigation is unfolded Triets movie proudly walks in the footsteps of Ingmar Bergman, a classic analyst of complicated couple relationships and she truly succeeds in doing so.
- berndgeiling
- Nov 4, 2023
- Permalink
Anatomy of a Fall is an engrossing courtroom drama that packs a miniseries' worth of story in two and a half hours. I totally see why it garnered so much acclaim from the festival circuit! It is exactly the kind of legal drama I've wanted to see for years. THIS is the standard of crime genre that all other films now have to live up to. Thoughtful, intricate and emotional. The writing is phenomenal - it takes a lot of guts to do two hours of court proceedings but wow, it's enthralling; so meticulously plotted and presented, with such intricate explorations of the complexities of relationships. It's the kind of thought-provoking procedural where the truth is never certain and the power is granted to the audience to determine its true outcome. Sandra Hüller is extraordinary in a cant-look-away performance that will grip you from beginning to end, but if I'm being honest, everyone here is incredible. It has one of the best child performances I've ever seen in a film. Even the dog put in a performance of a lifetime! Taut, suspenseful and compelling until the final moment, the film progresses like a heady puzzle that tackles the messiness of existence and the often elusive nature of truth itself. Anatomy of a Fall is truly all-around exceptional filmmaking!
Courtroom-based dramas aren't all created equal. Chances are you can think of a few timeless ones that stand the test of time (perhaps 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' 'A Few Good Men,' 'The Pelican Brief'). In Justine Triet's 'Anatomy of a Fall,' we can get to see the French judicial system on display in a tale of the struggle to decide when it's difficult to see the truth through a forest of hearsay.
There are a few aspects of 'Fall' that hold the audience's attention more so than other films in this genre. The way the story unfolds from the initial events to the verdict and aftermath is riveting, which makes it easy to understand how it earned an Oscar for best original screenplay. The performance of Sandra Hüller is exceptional, as she convincingly plays a conflicted writer who loves her half-blind son, Daniel (Milo Machado-Graner), yet must defend herself against an accusation of murder.
There are a few scenes in 'Fall' that are masterclass, including the recreation of an argument between Hüller and her onscreen husband, Samuel Maleski (Samuel Theis). This scene is intense, agonizing and feels completely authentic, and both actors deliver A+ work. Machado-Graner also does a superb job across the board, including an emotional testimony as a witness in the trial. Oh, and anyone who watches this movie will never be able to think of 50 Cent's "P. I. M. P." the same way again.
For such a simple premise, 'Anatomy of a Fall' manages to showcase the complexity of human nature and the importance of seeing both sides of a situation.
There are a few aspects of 'Fall' that hold the audience's attention more so than other films in this genre. The way the story unfolds from the initial events to the verdict and aftermath is riveting, which makes it easy to understand how it earned an Oscar for best original screenplay. The performance of Sandra Hüller is exceptional, as she convincingly plays a conflicted writer who loves her half-blind son, Daniel (Milo Machado-Graner), yet must defend herself against an accusation of murder.
There are a few scenes in 'Fall' that are masterclass, including the recreation of an argument between Hüller and her onscreen husband, Samuel Maleski (Samuel Theis). This scene is intense, agonizing and feels completely authentic, and both actors deliver A+ work. Machado-Graner also does a superb job across the board, including an emotional testimony as a witness in the trial. Oh, and anyone who watches this movie will never be able to think of 50 Cent's "P. I. M. P." the same way again.
For such a simple premise, 'Anatomy of a Fall' manages to showcase the complexity of human nature and the importance of seeing both sides of a situation.
- Mike_Devine
- Mar 23, 2024
- Permalink
- akseltutcu
- Aug 27, 2023
- Permalink
There are so many things I got from this after watching it. So many subtle little thing that throw shade over both characters, thus showing such complex humans with flaws and virtues.
Technically it does not stand out but it's servicable for the themes and story. Was this the perfect long-game psychological crime? That last scene speaks volumes. The last courtroom scene with the kid was devestating and conclusive, even if that lawyer tried to flip it. Even him knew the conclusion at that moment. It was cathartic.
It was a very devastating and powerful film. I would very much like to see it again so I can absorb that excellent dialogue all over again.
Technically it does not stand out but it's servicable for the themes and story. Was this the perfect long-game psychological crime? That last scene speaks volumes. The last courtroom scene with the kid was devestating and conclusive, even if that lawyer tried to flip it. Even him knew the conclusion at that moment. It was cathartic.
It was a very devastating and powerful film. I would very much like to see it again so I can absorb that excellent dialogue all over again.
- M0n0_bogdan
- Oct 20, 2023
- Permalink
- Geoff-Atlanta
- Feb 3, 2024
- Permalink
- johnsonpaul1606
- Nov 13, 2023
- Permalink
This movie runs 150 minutes, but I was never bored or distracted. The script is taught, the direction intriguing. Certain scenes, like when the boy is being questioned by two opposing lawyers at the same time, so that he is constantly turning his head back and forth to look at each in turn, are very clever.
Almost half this movie is in English, so even people who don't like subtitles should give it a try.
I haven't seen Anatomy of a Murder in years, so I can't say if there are any references to it. I do remember, however, that I didn't think it was a great movie.
This, however, has greatness written all over it.
Almost half this movie is in English, so even people who don't like subtitles should give it a try.
I haven't seen Anatomy of a Murder in years, so I can't say if there are any references to it. I do remember, however, that I didn't think it was a great movie.
This, however, has greatness written all over it.
- richard-1787
- Sep 5, 2023
- Permalink
The beauty of the film truly lies in how delicately it's paced throughout. Even when it takes the shape of a courtroom drama with great attention to detail, it still rests firmly on the emotional bonding between the lead characters - in this case, a mother (Sandra), her son (Daniel), and their dog. That never takes a backseat, despite the film turning into a murder mystery (of sorts) at several points. I absolutely loved the performances here, be it Sandra Hüller, Swann Arlaud, Milo Machado Graner, and Samuel Theis. And for all it's worth, the standout here is Snoop (the dog), and his presence not only drives the story forward at a pivotal juncture, but this wonderful canine also takes the audience's perspective in the beginning and at the end of the film. He's travelling with these characters just like us, while also playing the role of an unconditional guardian angel to Daniel.
When the writing digs deep into the intricacies of a marriage, it is poignant, relatable, and hard-hitting. Both the husband and the wife are writers essentially, and that makes their struggles and little victories all the more accessible. The changing dynamics in their relationship is brought to light through superbly shot flashbacks (just as their audio recordings are being played in court), and we as audiences, understand what each half of the couple is going through. The journey is dramatic alright, but since the outcome determines whether the mother gets to reunite with her son after a long, drawn-out trial, it always remains riveting to watch. The "lesser" moments - like a scene that depicts Sandra and her lawyer friend drinking together, are also beautifully staged.
When the writing digs deep into the intricacies of a marriage, it is poignant, relatable, and hard-hitting. Both the husband and the wife are writers essentially, and that makes their struggles and little victories all the more accessible. The changing dynamics in their relationship is brought to light through superbly shot flashbacks (just as their audio recordings are being played in court), and we as audiences, understand what each half of the couple is going through. The journey is dramatic alright, but since the outcome determines whether the mother gets to reunite with her son after a long, drawn-out trial, it always remains riveting to watch. The "lesser" moments - like a scene that depicts Sandra and her lawyer friend drinking together, are also beautifully staged.
- arungeorge13
- Oct 14, 2023
- Permalink
- christiankg-851-203433
- Oct 23, 2023
- Permalink
Did she do it? That's the question that kept my eyes wide open and made me so hyped throughout this entire enthralling courtroom drama. In fact, I was challenged to do the work along with the jury and perceive exactly what Daniel felt. This film's realism really connected with me. It was so accurate and stressful that I forgot I was watching a film. I felt like I was watching a true story or the news or something. That is why it was very skillfully executed and well acted, as we have seen a brilliant performance from the leading actress, Sandra Hüller, who convincingly conveyed a dynamic variety of emotions.
And the Oscar goes to... Messi (the dog's real name). Feels ironic, right? Haha.
And the Oscar goes to... Messi (the dog's real name). Feels ironic, right? Haha.
- brentsbulletinboard
- Jan 4, 2024
- Permalink
I went into the Cannes premiere not knowing what to expect. The movie instantly hooked me and kept me captivated the entire time. The dialogues were some of the best I've ever gotten to watch in a film. There are spins and turns. Some very beautiful lines that resonate. The writing showed understanding of the intricacies of multicultural relationships. Some moments were intense and made me cry.
To summarize, I came into this movie with no expectations, and was mesmerized and left feeling like this is a perfect film, perfectly crafted. It deserves to win some awards and I will make sure to watch the director's other films.
To summarize, I came into this movie with no expectations, and was mesmerized and left feeling like this is a perfect film, perfectly crafted. It deserves to win some awards and I will make sure to watch the director's other films.
- director-97114
- May 22, 2023
- Permalink
The first 20 minutes of the movie are great but the rest of the movie feels long and boring. Acting by the lead actors is phenomenal and keeps you from walking out. The movie is pretty weak other than the acting and the screenplay. Have seen a lot of movies with similar premise that are better. This movie tried to marry relationship and court room drama into one but failed.
If it's going for relationship issues then Ingmar Bergman, Rossellini and Antonioni has made much better movies covering the subject. If it's going for mystery the South Korean movie Burning has a lot more going on. If it's going for courtroom drama I suggest Japanese movie I Just Didn't Do It.
It's an ok movie. Wished it was shorter.
If it's going for relationship issues then Ingmar Bergman, Rossellini and Antonioni has made much better movies covering the subject. If it's going for mystery the South Korean movie Burning has a lot more going on. If it's going for courtroom drama I suggest Japanese movie I Just Didn't Do It.
It's an ok movie. Wished it was shorter.
- ageofunthinking
- Jan 25, 2024
- Permalink
Anatomy of a Fall is a clever and compelling drama about a woman who must prove her innocence after the unexpected death of her husband.
It's not quite a mystery/why whodunnit, or a full-blown courtroom drama. And it's not a foreign movie either, as it slips in and out of English and French. It's a movie about the complications of a situation and the language barrier to get information across, both literal, as our main character has some trouble speaking French, as she is originally from Germany, and metaphorical with trying to communicate what we are feeling and saying to people who don't seem to listen.
We slowly learn what type of relationship it was between her and her husband during the trial, as she shares personal information to prove her innocence or a secretly recorded audio during a heated moment that gives you a better idea of their relationship.
Sandra Hüller's performance was fantastic, and her character is complex. One scene is when she delivers a fiery monologue, and it holds you in your place. I was unaware of her work beforehand, but after this film - she is on my radar. I cannot wait to see her in the Auschwitz film The Zone of Interest.
There is a stellar child performance from Milo Machado Graner and a challenging part, especially for his age, but he blew me away. The final speech he delivers towards the end is both beautiful and devastating.
All the acting from the cast was superb. Even the family dog was fantastic.
The directing and camera work was superb, and every shot was well thought out and presented effectively. The script was tremendous, as the dialogue and plot were terrific, but it also gave the actors a lot to work with.
My only issue with the film is the courtroom stuff, which slowed the pacing. While those scenes weren't awful, they just got repetitive after a while.
Overall rating: Anatomy of a Fall is a gripping drama that keeps you guessing. Both while you are watching the movie and long after it's over.
It's not quite a mystery/why whodunnit, or a full-blown courtroom drama. And it's not a foreign movie either, as it slips in and out of English and French. It's a movie about the complications of a situation and the language barrier to get information across, both literal, as our main character has some trouble speaking French, as she is originally from Germany, and metaphorical with trying to communicate what we are feeling and saying to people who don't seem to listen.
We slowly learn what type of relationship it was between her and her husband during the trial, as she shares personal information to prove her innocence or a secretly recorded audio during a heated moment that gives you a better idea of their relationship.
Sandra Hüller's performance was fantastic, and her character is complex. One scene is when she delivers a fiery monologue, and it holds you in your place. I was unaware of her work beforehand, but after this film - she is on my radar. I cannot wait to see her in the Auschwitz film The Zone of Interest.
There is a stellar child performance from Milo Machado Graner and a challenging part, especially for his age, but he blew me away. The final speech he delivers towards the end is both beautiful and devastating.
All the acting from the cast was superb. Even the family dog was fantastic.
The directing and camera work was superb, and every shot was well thought out and presented effectively. The script was tremendous, as the dialogue and plot were terrific, but it also gave the actors a lot to work with.
My only issue with the film is the courtroom stuff, which slowed the pacing. While those scenes weren't awful, they just got repetitive after a while.
Overall rating: Anatomy of a Fall is a gripping drama that keeps you guessing. Both while you are watching the movie and long after it's over.
- MattyLuke-81663
- Nov 19, 2023
- Permalink
The prestigious "Palme d'Or" had raised expectations, the trailers ignited my interest, and the premise held enough promise for me to be genuinely curious and wait for the right opportunity (and chance) to see this, which I finally did, but regrettably, my presumed sense of satisfaction is nowhere to be found; instead, a sense of discontent looms over me.
I have never been a fancier of Courtroom dramas, not that I straight up renounce them, I do like to attend to some if their stories exude enough flavour but that is rare and happens in selective instances.
You must be wondering, how did I end up here then?
Well, I thought the courtroom aspect would just be a part of the narrative, not the primary focus, but as you can tell I was terribly mistaken, had I known it prior, I would have set my expectations accordingly.
Nevertheless, despite the script's earnest insistence on encouraging socially relevant discussion regarding Marital Issues and power dynamics in a relationship, most of it appeared surface level, lacking depth and substance, at least not on par with the promises that were set in the initial stage.
The writing here tends to shine the brightest whenever the story moves outside of the courtroom. All thanks to a grippy screenplay and some terrific acts delivered by the whole ensemble, particularly Sandra Hüller, she was fantastic.
I have never been a fancier of Courtroom dramas, not that I straight up renounce them, I do like to attend to some if their stories exude enough flavour but that is rare and happens in selective instances.
You must be wondering, how did I end up here then?
Well, I thought the courtroom aspect would just be a part of the narrative, not the primary focus, but as you can tell I was terribly mistaken, had I known it prior, I would have set my expectations accordingly.
Nevertheless, despite the script's earnest insistence on encouraging socially relevant discussion regarding Marital Issues and power dynamics in a relationship, most of it appeared surface level, lacking depth and substance, at least not on par with the promises that were set in the initial stage.
The writing here tends to shine the brightest whenever the story moves outside of the courtroom. All thanks to a grippy screenplay and some terrific acts delivered by the whole ensemble, particularly Sandra Hüller, she was fantastic.
- SoumikBanerjee1996
- Dec 20, 2023
- Permalink
This movie felt eternal, I felt tired after watching it.
First of all, the plot is very promising, but unfortunately leads to nowhere. The characters are incredibly dull, and there is no chemistry between them. There are tense moments that make you believe something exciting will happen, but nothing changes. This film drags on and on. THERE IS NO CLIMAX OR CLOSURE.
When I saw it in the cinema, several people fell asleep. Others slouched in their seats, with their head in their hands, as if they were exhausted, or in disbelief.
This movie has NOTHING to offer. It is not thrilling, it is not clever, it has no twists or turns.
It's just so very vapid, cold and pretentious.
First of all, the plot is very promising, but unfortunately leads to nowhere. The characters are incredibly dull, and there is no chemistry between them. There are tense moments that make you believe something exciting will happen, but nothing changes. This film drags on and on. THERE IS NO CLIMAX OR CLOSURE.
When I saw it in the cinema, several people fell asleep. Others slouched in their seats, with their head in their hands, as if they were exhausted, or in disbelief.
This movie has NOTHING to offer. It is not thrilling, it is not clever, it has no twists or turns.
It's just so very vapid, cold and pretentious.
- alasidereal
- Feb 3, 2024
- Permalink
... the performance of the child actor: Milo Machado Graner. All the other actors were brilliant and amazing in their own ways, especially Sandra Hüller and Swann Arlaud. However, due to the demanding nature of the task at hand, Graner did superbly. He never phones it in. It's a calibre I've never witnessed before to this degree from a child actor. Surely I haven't seen all the classics and films in the world to make such a statement as there is still so much left for me to watch. Regardless, Graner's performance gives me so much confidence in proclaiming the following statement: this is the best performance I've witnessed from a child actor (ever?). There is mastery exhibited both in the quiet moments and dialogue-heavy scenes. Just from his body language, things can be inferred and implied. Graner is subtle as much as he is unsubtle. It's quite hard to put it into words, which is a sign of something great. You feel things that words cannot describe. That's art.
As for the film itself, I think it's pretty good. I was expecting something more due to the critical buzz and its success at Cannes, so I can't say I wasn't a little disappointed. I feel like the movie was a bit too long and/or slow, which I usually don't feel if the plot and narrative is as gripping that the film presents (I'm a fan of courtroom dramas). I think the film wants you to be second-guessing the characters' actions and motivations, which is a clear choice by the director and that is fine. However, personally I would've liked it to be more critical of the French legal system with a clearer voice. What Anatomy of a Fall boils down to is the law vs truth in the face of a tumultuous marriage between two writers.
Rating might go up on a rewatch but doubt I'll be watching it anytime again soon due to the pacing.
Also: loved the instrumental that plays on repeat in the beginning hahah.
As for the film itself, I think it's pretty good. I was expecting something more due to the critical buzz and its success at Cannes, so I can't say I wasn't a little disappointed. I feel like the movie was a bit too long and/or slow, which I usually don't feel if the plot and narrative is as gripping that the film presents (I'm a fan of courtroom dramas). I think the film wants you to be second-guessing the characters' actions and motivations, which is a clear choice by the director and that is fine. However, personally I would've liked it to be more critical of the French legal system with a clearer voice. What Anatomy of a Fall boils down to is the law vs truth in the face of a tumultuous marriage between two writers.
Rating might go up on a rewatch but doubt I'll be watching it anytime again soon due to the pacing.
Also: loved the instrumental that plays on repeat in the beginning hahah.
- DayeValentijn
- Oct 24, 2023
- Permalink