Before Psycho reset the Psychological Thriller, this was considered the zenith. Cleverly structured, beautifully paced, stunningly acted and directed with a sinister nastiness. The shocking finale has been ripped off many times since, but the three central performances remain interesting and bring the tension. They buck the stereotype of their parts. Simone Signoret isn’t icy so much as forceful, aggressive in a very casual manner. Véra Clouzot nicely underplays the easily frightened wife and Paul Meurisse is one of the most original abusive husbands I’ve ever seen. Slight of build, not especially handsome, he runs his school and his personal life with a sense of entitlement. His wife and mistress are friends, and he takes pride in not keeping secrets from them or acting deceptive.
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