Ruthless executive Christine brings on Isabelle as her assistant, and she takes delight in toying with the young woman's innocence. Read more …
But when the protégé's ideas become tempting enough for Christine to pass on as her own, she underestimates Isabelle's ambition and cunning -- and the ground is set for all out war.
It is less fertile territory than what has gone before but no less satisfying for mystery fans and Sagnier shines in a role that really does allow her to run the gamut from innocent victim to femme fatale.
We can only hope that Brian De Palma's forthcoming remake, Passion, is a lot more satisfying.
What a disappointment.
This chillingly acted thriller is convoluted but compelling.
The characters are cyphers of the plot but the plot grips.
Hammy acting, Japanese dinner-jazz and noir cliches all conspire to scupper the late Alain Corneau's tale of violence and obsession.
There are flaws: an elaborate murder plot that folds in on itself, and some of the most uproariously naff corporate-speak ever committed to film. But Corneau's silky segues from mildness to menace are nicely done, and the music by Pharoah Sanders ("Kazuko") is superb.
Killer thriller.
So ... Sagnier and Scott Thomas; sex and murder; swanky Parisian boardrooms and bedrooms. Sounds enticing, doesn't it? But, sadly, the chic 1980s erotic thriller currently playing in your head is a lot more enjoyable than the late Alain Corneau's version.
Implausible perhaps, but the twists on Working Girl and All About Eve are intriguing and strongly acted.
The central performances are compelling but the two American characters are wholly unconvincing.
General release. Check local listings for show times.
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