Tell No One

Distributed by Madman

R4 DVD

Reviewer: Bob Estreich

French Language with Subtitles

Madman used to specialise in Asian films, particularly Manga. Lately they have been bringing in imports from countries such as France. This movie is a murder mystery thriller, and it compares more than favorably to the U.S. equivalent.

Dr Alex Beck (Francoise Canet) was deeply in love with his wife and childhood sweetheart. She was brutally murdered eight years ago, and the murder was blamed on a serial killer who was loose at the time. Now further bodies have been found in the area and the police have reopened the case – this time with Alex Beck as the prime suspect. A mysterious group of killers is planting evidence to convince the police that Alex is responsible for more recent murders. But why are they asking their victims about the whereabouts of Alex’s wife?

Alain Attal’s direction is superb. He maintains the thread of Alex’s love for his dead wife, provides plenty of action as the plot progresses, and builds up believable characters. One of the best is Bruno, a local criminal who owes Alex a favour and has a sense of honour that compels him to help Alex through one of the nastier moments of the movie. Bruno is a strategic part in the plot but he is not overstated or unnecessarily violent (for a killer). Although the movie has car chases, shootings, and all the violence you could ask for, these do not overpower the story. The whole plot is developed carefully and over the length of the movie, and the final twist is held until the last few minutes. Although the movie is subtitled, they are in yellow on a black background in a band at the bottom. This makes them easy to read. Subtitles may interfere with the personality development in a film, but they have been skillfully translated to allow Alex’s love for his wife to show through. They don’t detract from this movie in any way.

I found the sympathetic characters, skilful plot development and steady buildup of the action provided a great contrast to the usual action-heavy American style. If this is what the French movie industry can do, let’s hope Madman keeps bringing them in.