Francois Ozon, one of the most famous European directors, returns with his 22nd feature film «My Crime».
After more serious films, including By the Will of God (2018) about pedophilia cases long hidden by the church, the Frenchman completes a trilogy of light but deep comedies, the first two of which were 8 Women and Desperate Housewife. And here again the same recipe: a well-thought-out script, lines that hit right on target, restrained and effective directing, a five-star cast representing all generations and genres of French cinema.
For «My Crime» he takes on a tabloid comedy from the 1930s written by Louis Verneuil and Georges Berre, contemporaries of the great Sacha Guitry.
François Ozon, French director:
“It's important that the action takes place in the 1930s, because if I took it today, what I'm talking about would have turned out to be a much more dramatic film. So obviously my story resonates with today, with everything that's going on in the current feminist movement, in freedom of speech in relation to violence against women. But I think it's interesting to look at it through today's eyes and see that it was very difficult in the 1930s too. Women may have found slightly transgressive ways to succeed.Madeleine Verdier, an impoverished actress, is accused of murdering a famous producer. With the help of her best friend, she proves that she acted within the limits of necessary self-defense.
«My Crime» is both a tribute to the 1930s and films of the 1930s, the golden age of Hollywood cinema. It is also a very modern film that empowers women: the two protagonists of the film, played by the two discoveries of French cinema, Rebecca Marder and Nadia Tereshkevich, join forces, complement each other and help each other free themselves from male domination.
François Ozon, French director:
— I'm lucky that I can go to European countries. This film is already on sale almost everywhere, so it's a stroke of luck. Moreover, this film — as it were, completes the trilogy of «8 Women» and «Desperate Housewife». This is sort of the last part. That is, two films that were very well received in Europe, especially in Europe. French cinema is dubbed in Germany, Italy and Spain. And as a result, it allows us to reach a wider audience.
The film was released in France on March 8, and will conquer European countries in the next three months.