The Crime Is Mine (2023) User Reviews

#MeToo à la Française

[rubenm · 8/10 · 19 March 2023]

What if one of Harvey Weinstein's victims, unable to fend off her attacker, just shot him through the head? Would that count as self-defence? And how would the court case about this crime look like?

This is one way of interpreting 'Mon Crime', the delightful new film by François Ozon. The similarities are too obvious to ignore. It's about a young, attractive actress visiting a powerful film producer in order to get a part in a new film. But during the interview, the producer turns out to be a sexual predator. She admits to having killed him with his own gun. During the court case, she uses all her acting abilities to convince the jury of her innocence.

The funny thing is, this is not a serious analysis of power and gender, but a screwball comedy set in 1930's Paris. It's hilarious, it's stylish, and it's full of razor sharp references to the present. Ozon captures the 1930's style of film making perfectly, including the exaggerated acting, the witty dialogues, and the continuous plot twists, one even more improbable than the other.

It's clear that Ozon had lots of fun making this movie. He inserted small films-within-the film (in silent-movie style), he used marvellous 30s locations (I recognized the Villa Empain in Brussels), he casted Isabelle Hupert in one of the most memorable parts of the film, and he lets the jokes continue, even during the end credits.

This is not a cutting-edge film which will blow you away. But it's a perfectly made, very entertaining movie which doesn't have any weak moments.

An entertaining and slight murder comedy from François Ozon with fun and silly dialogues.

[ma-cortes · 6/10 · 3 December 2023]

Set in Paris in the 1930s, Madeleine Verdier (Nadia Tereszkiewicz), is a talentless and bankrupt young actress. With a wide assortment of debt collectors lining up at her door, struggling actress Verdier is with her back to the wall. As a result, as if the cruel hardships of poverty weren't enough, the penniless artist now stands accused of murdering one of the city's most famous residents. Madeleine is accused of murdering a powerful and lascivious French producer named Montferrand. A media trial takes place in which she is defended by her roommate, a young lawyer, Pauline Mauléon (Rebecca Marder), without a job. Fame still waits but the truth is about to be discovered. After being acquitted, she begins her new life of fame and success, until the truth comes out.

French director Ozon adapts a forgotten Parisian play from 1934 for this comedy of entanglements, in the purest 'screwball comedy' style of Hollywood's golden age. Ozon starts from the murder of a powerful, unscrupulous producer at the hands of a young actress to create a sarcastic, vindictive and theatrical comedy full of script twists. Interpretations are passable, such as Nadia Tereszkiewicz as Madeleine Verdier, a young actress who's accused of murdering a famous producer, she's a compulsive liar who admits to a killing she didn't commit so her friend, a failed lawyer, finely played by Rebecca Mader, can clear her name and build a reputation for herself. These two young actresses are well accompanied by veteran actors , such as: Fabrice Luchini, Dany Boon, André Dussollier and Isabelle Huppert whose role was based on famous theater actress Sarah Bernhardt. The film pays tribute to Billy Wilder and his first movie: 'Mauvaise graine (Bad seed 1934)' when the two protagonists go to the cinema and Medeleine Verdier is mentioned in the news bulletin, before the projection of a movie, alongside real murderesses - the Papin sisters and Violette Nozière whose character was performed by Isabelle Huppert herself in the classic film 'Violette Noziere' directed by Claude Chabrol. According to director Ozon himself, this 'Mon crime' (2023) is the third part of a trilogy about the condition of women initiated by the film: '8 women' followed by 'Potiche', all of them are usually characterized by sharp satirical wit and a freewheeling view on female sexuality. This 'Mon crime'(2023) is actually a loose rendition of the 1934 play "Mon crime", by Georges Berr and Louis Verneuil, which has already been adapted twice by Hollywood: 'Cross My Heart' (1946) by John Berry with Betty Hutton, Sonny Tufts, Ruth Donnelly, Rhys Williams and 'True confession' (1937) by Wesley Ruggles with Carole Lombard, Fred MacMurray, John Barrymore, Una Merkel, Porter Hall.

The film was professionally directed by Francois Ozon, but turned out to be a bit slow and implausible at times, not definitively engaging the viewer. Ozon is considered to be one of the best French filmmakers. His favorite director is Rainer Werner Fassbinder, that's why he made 'Peter Von Kant'. Ozon considers filmmaking a "parallel world", in which he flees the boring everyday life. Ozon calls actress Romola Garai his muse. Member of the 'Official Competition' jury at the 62nd Berlin International Film Festival in 2012 and he has won several prizes. Ozon is a prolific writer and director who has made all kinds of genres with penchant for drama and comedy, such as: ¨By the Grace of God' , 'Été 85', 'Le Refuge', 'Peter Von Kant', '5x2' , 'Angel', 'Dans la maison', 'Swimming pool' , 'Le temps qui reste', 'Criminal lovers', 'Everything Went Fine', 'Sitcom', among others.

When another's crime becomes your success

[Irena_Spa · 6/10 · 30 March 2023]

It is the movie which looks as a theatrical play and finely frame we will see it will become that. There is a lot of humor and beautiful costumes related to that time when it happens and there's no doubt that you will enjoy in it. Everything is stunning and shiny, but culmination arises in the moment when comes Isabelle Huppert in the role of poor silent actress at the end of her career. With her appearance she steals all your attention. Anyway, everyone in it is charming and in a kind of seductive approach and by that it will fill your attention. The creator, François Ozon, of it made adaptation of a Parisian play from 1934 by Georges Berr and Louis Verneuil and he did it very well!!!

Totally daft and thoroughly delightful.

[MOscarbradley · 7/10 · 22 June 2023]

I've always preferred Francois Ozon when he's in a playful mood and he's certainly in a playful mood here revamping a creaky old play by George Berr and Louis Verneuil that's already been filmed twice before and giving it a bright new glow, dispensing with realism from the start. "Mon Crime" is definitely an old-fashioned comedy-thriller with nary a thrill to be found, silly enough to keep a soppy grin on our faces for most of its running time.

The daft plot has young actress Nadia Tereszkiewicz accused of murdering an over-sexed producer only to be defended in court, in something of a parody of "Roxie Hart", by her roommate and best friend Rebecca Marder and that's just the half of it. It's totally daft and thoroughly delightful with a superb performance from Fabrice Luchini as the investigating judge and if that's not enough there's always Isabelle Huppert as a wildly over-the-top actress insisting on her day in court. Minor Ozon but even minor Ozon can be a real treat.

A stylish and witty tale of ambition and downfall

[steveinadelaide · 7/10 · 15 October 2023]

Madeleine Verdier is a struggling actress in 1930s Paris. She is accused of murdering a famous producer and is acquitted with the help of her best friend, a young lawyer. Her newfound fame and success become too much for her to handle, and she eventually spirals out of control.

Set in Paris during a time of great social and political upheaval, The Crime is Mine depicts the city's glamorous nightclubs and seedy underworld with great accuracy. Director François Ozon captures the atmosphere of the time, reflecting the impact of the First World War and the rise of fascism in Europe.

This stylish and witty comedy-drama explores themes of ambition and the dangers of getting what you want. The film's tone is light and humorous for the most part, but it takes a darker turn in the second half as Madeleine's downfall begins.

Nadia Tereszkiewicz delivers an excellent performance as Madeleine, the ambitious and reckless actress, supported by a strong cast, including Isabelle Huppert as Madeleine's best friend and Fabrice Luchini as the charming and manipulative lawyer who defends her in court.

François Ozon is a master of stylish period drama, and he directs The Crime is Mine with a sure hand, creating a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film. The film's score by Philippe Rombi is a perfect match for the visuals and tone, reflecting Madeleine's own dual nature. The cinematography by Manuel Dacosse is also sumptuous and evocative, capturing the beauty and glamour of Paris in the 1930s, as well as the city's darker side.

The film is full of symbolism, such as the recurring image of the red dress that Madeleine wears, representing her ambition and desire to be seen. The production design is impeccable, recreating the world of 1930s Paris in meticulous detail.

The Crime is Mine maintains a brisk pace, with witty and sharp dialogue that is perfectly suited to the characters and the setting. Ozon keeps the audience guessing until the very end, making it a fun and entertaining film with a lot to say about the dangers of ambition and the importance of staying true to oneself.

One minor criticism of the film is that it feels a bit overlong at times, with a few scenes that could have been cut without affecting the story. The ending also feels a bit too neat and tidy for my taste.

I would recommend The Crime is Mine to fans of stylish period dramas and witty comedies. It is a fun and entertaining film that delivers a powerful message about the dangers of ambition.

Love and crimes

[AvionPrince16 · 7/10 · 24 January 2023]

That movie really know how to use comedy and murder in this story. I enjoyed the movie and how that can suddenly go into comedy pretty quickly with some characters that can switch the serious tone to something more funny. Im not a huge fan of these kind of mix: comedy and murder mystery dont really mix in my opinion but here i really enjoyed it. The story get less and less serious and thats what i regret during the whole movie: the story was interesting and the murder mystery too but they go too much into comedy for me. Even if some situations are really funny but sometimes it was pretty annoying to be honest. I enjoyed also the revelations arround the murder and who really killed the director and how our characters will survive to poverty, womans social conditions, men's abusive behavior. I enjoyed also the moments in Black and white and really remind us the 20's. Pretty unexpected how thing are going: a woman admit a murder that she didnt commit and get out of poverty and the real murder, a famous actress, want to admit her real crime and get the glory again: i mean it was pretty original and didnt see that often. I enjoyed also the nudity scene and it add some sensuality to the movie.

I mean it was really interesting and........ funny!

Hilarious!

[thebeachlife · 10/10 · 18 September 2023]

I laughed out loud almost in every scene, it's so simple and funny! Just loved it!

The feel is similar to Eight Women, even feels like it is a sort of a sequel, however the setting is different. The storyline turns unexpectedly, it's in a way similar to those absurd theater comedies though it doesn't look so. The acting is superb, grotesque-like style, especially when Isabelle Huppert appears all of a sudden, and then André Dussolier. And of course, under this being pseudo-light and superficial, there's definitely issues raised (and mocked, Ozon style): gender stereotypes, corrupt judicial system, personal values, etc. Enjoyed every minute of it and highly recommend!

Boring

[MikeyB1793 · 2/10 · 26 April 2024]

Was this made by AI? The script was banal. The jokes insipid.

I realized after about 20 minutes in that I couldn't care less about any of these characters - who were really dull, dim-witted caricatures.

It reminded of a high school play.

It had no energy, no originality whatsoever.

Don't waste your time on this supposedly comedy melodrama about actresses in Paris in the 1930s.

Was it suppose to be a costume drama, a comedy, a who done it ...? It constantly used tropes that have been used in other movies. It was sterile nonsense.

Why do I have to keep writing to meet the minimum word count to make a review for this stupid movie?

Classic Gaumont comedy

[tango-03452 · 9/10 · 13 March 2023]

A character piece from well-known and much loved French cast, with witty scripting and well crafted twists.

Charmingly shot and well edited, the costumes and make-up reflect the period. The individual players are well matched and clearly defined, very much within the scope of French culture. One aspect that this film scores highly on is that it is not too long - unlike many Hollywood films which are overpadded with repetitious effects.

Cinema is a medium that targets particular audiences and this film hits the bull's eye. If you instantly forget 90% of a particular genre, then don't watch it. If you don't watch it, don't comment...

Over-acting at 100%

[Connord202 · 5/10 · 12 March 2023]

"Mon Crime", the new film directed by Francois Ozon is the stereotype of the bad french comedies. In fact, the film wants to be funny and provocative but it's just boring and not funny for people sub 70 years old. Actually, the actors are poor, for most of them without special talent and a shell of themself. However there is a little bit of idea behind the plot development, even if plot twist are not as good as they pretend and the audience in my cinema didn't react to the terribles punchlines to the modern society, especially for themes like feminism. Just boring and not funny at all. Tomorrow I will already have forgot this inept work like 90% of the french cinema.

ACADEMY AWARD nominee Isabelle HUPPERT in a French Crime Comedy by Francois OZON

[ZeddaZogenau · 8/10 · 30 October 2023]

With the BERLINALE 2002 classic 8 WOMEN, Francois OZON has already proven that excellent films can be made from tabloid pieces.

In Paris in the 1930s, two friends live in unsuccessfulness and abject poverty. One is an untalented actress (Nadia TERESZKIEWICZ), the other an unemployed lawyer (Rebecca MARDER). One day the actress is mistakenly suspected of having murdered an influential producer. Although she is innocent, she admits to the murder and is brought to justice. Represented by her friend, she achieved an acquittal. A triumph for both women! From now on there will be a hail of offers and mandates for both. But then the sophisticated Odette Chaumette (great as always: GOLDEN GLOBE winner and ACADEMY AWARD nominee Isabelle HUPPERT) appears: a faded silent film star who has not mastered the transition to sound films...

This charming morality play is based on a play by Georges BERR and Louis VERNEUIL. In 1937, Hollywood had already become aware of the clever material: TRUE CONFESSION (1937) with Carole LOMBARD and Fred MacMURRAY!

Established vedettes (film stars in French) like Fabrice LUCHINI, Dany BOON and Andre DUSSOLIER, but also young stars like Edouard SULPICE and Felix LEFEBVRE shine in the OZON version. In France, the film has already attracted more than a million visitors to the cinemas.

Once again a convincing piece of cinematic fun from France!

a me-too story in 1935's Paris

[dromasca · 8/10 · 1 April 2024]

'Mon crime' is the funniest and most entertaining film I have seen in the first three months of this year. Don't get me wrong, I've already seen some very good films, with deep topics, interesting cinematography and with great acting, but none of them made me laugh so heartily and none of them left me with smile on my face at the end as it happened with this 2023 film by François Ozon. This is one of his more relaxed films for the French director as well. Others tackle more 'serious' themes and do not hesitate to engage their viewers in original cinematic experiences. 'Mon crime' is an adaptation of a play written in 1934, the story takes place in 1935 and represents a kind of retro-me-too film, written (also by Ozon) and made in the spirit of French theatrical farces. The cast brings to the screen some fresh figures from among the young generation of French actors alongside stars whose presences make any film an unmissable event. The result is excellent.

Madeleine and Pauline are two young women trying their luck in Paris in 1935. Madeleine is a beautiful and talented actress, Pauline is a novice lawyer, brilliant but without clients. The two girls are on the verge of being evicted from the small and unheated rented apartment because they have not been able to pay their rent for many months. Madeleine shows up for an interview with a theater producer and goes through a me-too trauma, being assaulted and rejecting his advances. Unfortunately for her, an hour later the producer is found dead and Madeleine becomes the prime suspect. And then, the two girls decide to turn bad luck into opportunity by plotting to be involved in a trial that will make them famous. Madeleine confesses to the crime she did not commit and Pauline defends her and gets her acquitted. The luck gained through this ruse is in danger, however, when the real killer appears.

The true assassin is played by Isabelle Huppert in one of her best and funniest roles in this millennium, a role very different from the grim and doom-and-gloom characters she's taken on serially for quite some time. A formidable comedian is also Fabrice Luchini, another one of my favorite actors, relishing in the role of the investigating judge who manipulates justice to his own whims. Dany Boon, Olivier Broche and André Dussollier also have savory supporting roles. However, the main merits go, of course, to the two young actresses - Nadia Tereszkiewicz and Rebecca Marder - who each of them and especially together radiate talent and beauty. The satire of the misogynistic morals of 1930s France, unfortunately, still rings terribly relevant today. With slight changes, the story in the film could take place in 2024. But we would have lost the period fragrance and the pleasure of recreating a gallant Paris, with morals that are eternal despite toilets and hats that change their shapes and colors. I recommend that you don't miss 'Mon crime' for a healthy dose of charming entertainment.

"Guilty" as charged

[kosmasp · 9/10 · 18 July 2023]

Or is she? Well no pun intended - but charges apparently are ... more or less. And the movie does begin with a bang - the question is, what F. Ozon is planning or trying to tell us ... maybe trying to irriate us ... we know that the beginning is important ... will we ever find out how much though? Well you have to watch the movie to know ... maybe.

That all said, the movie has a special kind of humor. You have to dig it - otherwise I can see you being annoyed by it. Yes there is a bit of overacting, yes there are things that would never happen in reality (hopefully) - also this is quite fixed on female characters. If you think it is unfair ... well try to understand there is a different viewpoint ... and maybe empathize ... so either be entertained by the movie or even read a message into it. At the beginning of the end credits there is also a "where/what are they now" ... with newspaper clippings/articles.