Exploration of a Collapse: True Crime Takes a Feminist Twist with Nuanced Insight
"Hey there! Let's dive into the intriguing world of Justine Triet's latest film, Anatomy of a Fall. This gripping tale stretches the traditional courtroom drama by focusing on familial relationships rather than just the legal lines. It's all about an ambitious writer on trial for her hubby's death in the French Alps.
This film has offered Triet an extraordinary experience, marking a significant milestone in her 15-year career that boasts winning the Palme d'Or at Cannes, Golden Globes for Best Picture (Foreign) and Best Screenplay, among other accolades.
The genesis of Anatomy of a Fall was Triet's long-standing desire to make another trial film, following her 2016 production, In Bed with Victoria. She wanted to delve deep into relationships and cohabitation issues, using courtroom proceedings as a lens to dissect every aspect of the characters' lives.
Anatomy of a Fall caps a 10-year period during which Triet has established herself as one of the most creative auteurs today. Her body of work, including Age of Panic (2013), In Bed with Victoria (2016), and Sibyl (2019), features complex female characters navigating the contemporary world with sharpness, humor, and great intelligence.
In Anatomy Of A Fall, Sandra (played by Sandra Hüller) is a German writer living with her husband Samuel and their visually-impaired son Daniel in a remote mountain chalet. When Samuel meets an untimely end, the investigation can't determine whether it's suicide or foul play. Sandra finds herself in handcuffs, charged with murder. The trial shines a harsh light on their tumultuous relationship and Sandra's ambiguous personality. As Daniel takes the stand, doubts begin to creep in.
Throughout the winding trial, Triet pushes the boundaries of the courtroom genre. Intimate details of the couple's tumultuous life and their autofictional creative processes are laid bare, reexamined, and reframed while lawyers and the media search for concise answers in the inherently imprecise realms of love and art. It's only the couple's sight-impaired young son who seems to understand that when our senses can't offer a clear-cut picture of the world, we must turn to our emotions for the truth.
A Chit-Chat with Justine Triet
What inspired you to choose this subject?
I've always explored the male-female relationship, but this time, I wanted to focus more on a woman's confidence and ability to stand her ground. I also desired to examine how couples live together, give each other space, tell the truth without resorting to violence, and navigate cohabitation. The courtroom setting gave me a unique opportunity to scrutinize their relationship in detail and subvert the traditional courtroom drama.
How important was it for you to portray the woman as a mother?
Extremely important! I wanted to portray a woman who is self-assured and takes up space in her relationships. I also questioned the dynamics of the couple and how they share their lives, especially when they have children together. The creative process adds another layer of complexity to their lives.
How did the script's direction evolve?
Initially, I wanted to dive deep into the trial itself and the minute details of the couple's lives. This led me to craft a complex narrative structure where the trial serves as a pretext to dissect the couple. An audio clip played during the trial is intended to offer viewers a glimpse into their lives and help them piece together the broader narrative.
How did you work with Sandra Hüller to develop her role?
I wrote the script with Sandra in mind, and her acceptance of the role was essential. I hoped to depict a foreign woman judged upon her language issues during the trial, and Sandra's ability to bring authenticity to her performance was crucial. We worked collaboratively, and I was continually amazed by her dedication and work ethic.
What aspects of reality did you strive to maintain in the film?
My background in documentary filmmaking inspired me to seek authenticity during the research phase. I consulted renowned lawyer Vincent Courcelle-Labrousse for guidance, and we worked tirelessly to ensure the script was grounded in reality. I also found it fascinating that literature could be used as evidence in a real court trial, which happened during the trial of French writer Édouard Louis.
Why are you so attracted to judicial topics?
The courtroom is a fascinating space where our lives are reimagined and distorted, which I find both wonderful and disturbing. The court serves as a magnifying glass, focusing on the smallest details of our lives and attempting to make sense of them, often in a manner that seems far removed from the truth. This film is an exploration of how the court system can reduce complex human relationships to simplistic narratives, damaging individuals in the process."
Movies-and-TV, entertainment comprise a platform to delve into intricate human relationships, as evidenced by Justine Triet's latest work, "Anatomy of a Fall." This gripping film serves as a testament to Triet's keen eye for exploring complex female characters within the context of contemporary relationships, family dynamics, and artistic endeavors.
