Charlotte Rampling is fantastic as Sarah
Morton, a disillusioned crime novelist
who spends some time at her
publishers (Charles Dance) home in
France in an effort to clear her mind and
get some writing done. Things get
complicated when the publishers
daughter (Ludivine Sagnier) arrives
unexpectedly, bringing her promiscuous
and often noisy lifestyle in tow.
Writer-director Francois Ozon (last years
engaging 8 Women) delivers a fine
mystery and intense psychological study.
Things seem pretty clear cut until the
movies much advertised "big secret" is
revealed. Ramplings portrayal of Morton,
a highly imaginative writer jilted by a
notable past lover, is first-rate, and worthy
of Oscar contention. Sagniers wicked
portrayal of Judy is a far cry from the
young pixie-esque daughter she
portrayed in 8 Women. (She will
also be Tinkerbelle in the upcoming
Peter Pan.) A good mystery
featuring some decent twists.