Set entirely in a small town and surrounding countryside in central France this is at once a tale of idyllic country life with its emphasis on religion, patriotism and family but at the same time a devastating portrait of a psychopath. The remarkable actress Jeanne Moreau plays that psychopath which makes it even more difficult to accept and deal with within the context of this beautiful looking film. The only film I can think of that comes near to this one in its seeming idealism gone rotten is Luis Bunuel's Diary of a Chambermaid two years before. Mademoiselle does not have the humour or quite the same subtlety but it does have Moreau and that disconnect between the apparent 'pillar of society' and utter corruption. Indeed Bunuel's much quoted phrase concerning the 'immorality of bourgeois morality' is played out here from the very beginning with malicious and violent action combined with a religious procession through golden fields. Moreau is magnificent here in the central role and so believable we have to pinch ourselves lest we lapse into misreading her as others clearly do. Her cool and calculated manner amidst the farmyards and animals is terrifying and extremely well dealt with by Tony Richardson, who marshals all his cast immaculately. There is a scene at one of the arson attacks and as we watch with Moreau we have a close up of her quietly gleeful state and catch the reflection of her burning object of desire reflected within her eyes. Measured but masterful.
Review of Mademoiselle
