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.

Sometimes an idea can be overwhelming and the weight of it might crush the whole movie underneath it. Other times it just might be the right director and actor doing that stuff with a script that is tight and lean (and mean of course). This is one of those times. It's not easy to watch at times, especially because of the blandness of the main character. But this is a deliberate method/tool and it's supposed to feel that way for the viewer.

Indeed some may feel that there are not enough emotions in this and that's I reckon a fair criticism. It's more a movie for the head, if you want to call it that. But what it does with your head, especially concerning the twists and the whole "Who am I?" identity thing that is going on ... It's superb execution and it really had me at the edge of my seat!

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.

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.

Nice movie. Good acting. I wouldn't say it's a masterpiece, as others have stated, but entertaining and interesting nonetheless, would have liked to see more of Paris in it. Solid 7.5.