Elle

Elle starts big and ends on a quieter note, shifting from physical surprise to psychological suspense and satisfied, though unconventional, dénouement. It is as much a study of character and motivation as it is a vessel for the plot; it’s not a film recommended for mindless entertainment. Sexual assault may be the central theme, yet viewers shouldn’t expect typical plot lines or a lack of humor, albeit dark. Elle has the potential to confuse and repulse, while urging us to question our own reactions and providing no clear answer. It’s a film about about gender, power, desire, consent, and sex/sexuality as a tool, set against a more complete backdrop of class, relational, and career conditions which facilitate movement. For those versed in European film—especially the darker characters of Isabelle Huppert—Elle will likely be familiar, but with some discomfort. For most American or more conservative viewers, it’s likely easy to see why this film was rewritten in French after American actresses failed to accept the the lead. Things may be changing in Hollywood, but these topics are still too fresh here to approach with subversion and the irreverence necessary to make humor palatable on a commercial level. Luckily for all, the task fell to the inimitable Huppert and no one could have played it better.

I don’t speak French but I did enjoy the movie.

I got the movie from my library. I thought it would be good, but I just didn't get it. I wasn't able to make a connection with it. Maybe it was the subtitles but I've enjoyed lots of other films with subtitles numerous times...😐

Wish I would have read the reviews before buying. Hupert goes uncontested in this film (does she not most times if not all?), and its premise is interrsting, but it's a mashup of themes from her role in The Piano Teacher, *almost* with an ending that had me ask myself whether or not this movie was French or American...glass of masochism with that piece of cake anyone? It needs a direction, it's almost schizophrenic.

Would have given this one more star if I rented it before I realized it had subtitles. THAT takes a LOT away from any movie. Especially when the translations sometimes appear at the top (e.g. texting) and things are moving fast. So the movie is about a ruthless cougar whose husband ran off and she is craving sex. Even if that means the husband of a close fellow employee at her company. The whole thing was sort of boring really…but my bias is action movies like Thor. You know, just a stupid American who doesn’t appreciate European “art” films. The red flag was total love from Rotten Tomatoes. RT is a joke.

Boring...Except the cat

pitch black humor? didn’t see any humor in it. chest quoi?

Good Lord....

Amazing acting. Great twist st end. Kept me on the edge of my seat.

A vaguely witty parody of film morality and expectation. (spoiler) a woman is raped but it turns out she kinda liked it, but the moral issue is then confirmed by the accidental death of rapist. Ironic! The idiot son of rapee represents correct moral orientation and of course is deluded. A christian is made a fool of but in the end it turns out she understood everything. Expectation subverted again! To what purpose? Perhaps conjure a sense of entertainments pointless moral assumptions. Why do we watch rapes on film? Isn't violence part of fun? Why are christians always silly in movies? Why do we crave moral confirmation in film when it doesn't exist in life? These issues are lazily suggested. The film shocks by cooly dispensing with ethical assumptions and leaves you in agitated boredom. Its not the first film to try this key. Being a highly admired style, it will not be the last.