Un illustre inconnu

Engrossing (if slightly overlong - the first 30 minutes are essentially just a dress rehearsal for the rest) little thriller with an award-caliber chameleonic performance by Mathieu Kassovitz; this must be one of the acting highlights of his career. Smartly presented ending. *** out of 4.

So poignant and subtly played, Kassovitz's performance and the screenwriting by Matthieu Delaporte (and Alexandre de La Patellière) are weightless, crystalline in execution. It's clear Delaporte's background.in theater was inspired by the great Luigi Pirandello and transposed here brilliantly. I had to actually check whether this was based on a book. Super understated. The casting of the Downton Abbey villainess is interesting and Marie-Josée Croze is very moving. The prosthetics are impressive and blend seamlessly. It's fascinating to watch Mathieu Kassovitz disappear literally into the role.

Not very believable, but... excellent performances all around. Even the child actor is excellent, and the two leads are fantastic. Supporting cast is also very good. Bizarre story, but definitely not derivative, not the same old thing!

If you are a fan of French cinema, or European films in general, it's worth a look. It is quite slow, especially in the early stages, but if you are patient, the pace and plot pick up quite a bit.

This film is excellent. Bizarre and suspenseful, with beautiful cinematography, a gripping story and excellent acting.

This film is excellent. Bizarre and suspenseful, with beautiful cinematography, a gripping story and excellent acting. I had a feeling that it would be good when I saw that Matthieu Kasovitz (director of La Haine) was involved.