Love Crime

Love Crime is a 2010 thriller, an exquisite example of French cinema, where the power dynamics of corporate culture are explored with deadly outcomes. Gripping from the start, it escalates from a subtle psychological drama into a full-blown thriller showcasing a deadly game of cat-and-mouse.

Directed by the accomplished Alain Corneau, who passed away shortly after finishing this film, Love Crime stars the stunning Kristin Scott Thomas and the gifted Ludivine Sagnier. Both deliver riveting performances that bring the complex and twisted plot to life. The rest of the cast, including Patrick Mille, does an admirable job of supporting this engaging plot, enhancing the two lead characters' escalating corporate power play.

Scott Thomas portrays Christine, an accomplished and ruthlessly ambitious executive in a multinational corporative company who represents the cutthroat culture of such an environment with a chilling realism. Christine is an impressive yet intimidating figure, blossoming under the pressure and thriving in the competitive nature of her work.

On the other side of the power play, Sagnier's role as Isabelle, Christine's assistant, reflects the harsh realities faced by someone eager to succeed but struggling under the oppressive environment created by her superior. Isabelle is talented, ambitious and naively loyal to her manipulative boss who plays with her like a puppet, stealing her proposals and dismissing her contributions. Sagnier effectively portrays the development of her character from the manipulated to a cunning player in this deadly game.

The plot is intense and enthralling, beginning as a standard office drama where clumsy interactions and minor incidents gradually gain significance as the story unfolds. The tension escalates when Christine brazenly steals an imaginative idea proposed by Isabelle while cleverly ensuring her subordinate doesn't harbour any grudged against her manipulative actions. This action triggers an intense game of rivalry, manipulation, deceit, and eventually, deadly vengeance - a twist that dramatically changes the atmosphere of the story.

The movie’s strength comes from the complex characterisation of the protagonists and their relationship. It’s not a clear-cut tale of a villainous boss and her put-upon assistant. Christine has a strange fascination with Isabelle, almost like a twisted teacher-student relationship, where the student suffers, learns, and ultimately changes from the ordeal. The multifaceted personalities of both characters add depth to the story, keeping the audience on tenterhooks, always questioning motives and predicting outcomes.

The cinematography in the film is commendable. Featuring sharp visuals and meticulous framing, which encapsulates the sterile corporate world's harsh realities. The movie's setting and aesthetic fit perfectly with the narrative, creating an uncanny juxtaposition between the polished, slick contemporary corporate setting and the cruel, raw power struggle played within this shiny frame. When the power play takes a sinister turn, the surroundings subtly reflect the chaos by contrasting the ruthless ambition with pristine architectures.

Along with the remarkable visuals, the music score is equally compelling and seamlessly blends with the unfolding drama, maintaining the tension throughout the film. The composed music serves as a storytelling device of its own, portraying the tension elegantly and enhancing eerie moments in this chess-like power game.

The film raises pertinent questions about ambition, power struggle, and the competitive spirit that consumes people in the corporate world, always craving for that next big success or promotion. It highlights how trivial personal interactions can take sinister turns when overshadowed by professional jealousy and competition.

While Love Crime is a thrilling drama focusing on the fierce rivalry and manipulation between two corporate women, it also delves into the psyche of these intertwined characters, making it a compelling psychological drama as well. The plot twists and turns, keeping the audience guessing until the end, which honours classic French cinema narrative style.

In summary, Love Crime is a thrilling ride that adeptly combines classic office politics with an escalating sense of suspense and psychological manipulation. It is a tale of power, ambition, deceit, and revenge, set in a corporate landscape, presented with an excellent cast, captivating visuals, and gripping storytelling. The brilliant performances of Scott Thomas and Sagnier make this film a must-watch for fans of corporate thrillers and psychological dramas.