"Diabolique" is a wonderful film in terms of tight suspense, atmospheric camerawork (at times sweeping and ominous, at times clipped and jarring) and a shocking, twisted climax. It is admirable in many other respects; interesting though bizarre characterizations, a double-edged performance by Simone Signoret as Mademoiselle Horner, and many deliciously shot scenes. But though this is a great suspense film, I very much object to director Clouzot being hailed as "the French Alfred Hitchcock", and I imagine that Clouzot would be indignant as well. Though both brilliant, both of these artists have styles, techniques and even basic plots that are extremely distinct from one another. Hitchcock almost never introduced a "surprise ending" to his films, and his techniques of suspense require the audience to know everything the protagonists don't know. This, as anyone who watches "Diabolique" will soon see, is NOT the case with Clouzot. The French director relies on the viewer's uncertainty to stimulate his or her fears. Still, "Diabolique" is a terrific film, though no rival to Hitchcock's very best, and Clouzot clearly displays his virtuosity as a cinematic artist.
Review of Diabolique
