Anatomy of a Fall is a 2024 French murder mystery film directed by Justine Triet. It was hosted in Cannes this year. The film won 2 golden globes- Best Motion Picture and Best Screenplay. What I loved the most was the storytelling, editing and cinematography. The film flows in a simple narrative.
The storytelling is done in 3 acts:
Act 1-
German Novelist Sandra has her interview going on, regarding her book. She has a son called Daniel, who is visually challenged. The inciting incident happens when Daniel takes his dog for a walk and after he returns, he sees his father Samwell lying dead on the floor. The entire family is in a state of turmoil as the investigation takes place regarding the death of Samwell. The police believed it can be suspected murder, suicide or accidental death. Sandra is questioned regarding the incident. Since Daniel is visually impaired, he is not aware about the murders or how it occurred. Forensics indicate Samwell was hit by a blunt instrument.
Act 2-
The investigation goes on. Sandra is broken apart by Samwell’s death. There are 3 mysteries linked-
• Did Samwell have an accidental death?
• Was Samwell murdered?
• Did Samwell die by suicide?
A lawyer named Vincent arrives at the mother-son’s aid. He tries to collect cracks of the puzzle. Sandra says that ‘Samwell was not happy with his life at all.’ It leads to mystery number two. Vincent and Sandra start a relationship and get to know each other. Sandra’s fight is, to clear her name and prove her innocence.
Daniel remembers his parents having a conversation-yelling and fighting. He even heard noises of glass breaking. The court opens and Sandra is tried. Vincent tries his best to defend Sandra. Some fake claims pop up that, Sandra tried to cheat her husband. Some others claimed that he did it from guilt of damaging his son’s eye sight caused by a car accident which lead to his suicide. The question is- what is the real link?
Act 3-
The trial goes on. Different sets of questions pop up. Daniel, being visually impaired, has no clue what happened. But, one thing is, he is also smart. Daniel conducts an experiment on his dog. He overdoses him with aspirin. He learns the truth, his father tried to commit suicide earlier too through aspirin overdose. The jury believed that it was a case of suicide by jumping off the window. Sandra is acquitted by the court and she and her son lived on.
The director has done a very good job with the storytelling, with the prime ingredients of editing and cinematography. Justine Triet deserves the golden globe recognition for the film. She approached the story well, keeping it simple. She deserves recognition in the academy for best director and screenplay.
The editing is the most crucial role played in the story. The use of different shots high lighten the mood and tone of the story. What is perfectly done is the use of timing. The skip from one frame to another is perfectly timed. The editing keeps a few shots still to immerse us in the storytelling. The cuts between flashback and present highlights the momentum of the story.
The absence of background music brings in authentic realism in the film. It’s like you are watching a documentary found-footage film. It makes you feel you are in the realm of this situation.
The use of close-ups and camera movement bring an authentic feel to the story. They set up different moods and drama. Some shots play as a symbolic imagery to the story. The shakiness of the camera highlights the sense of realism. The use of dark shadows pouring on the character’s faces showcase secrets and excessive heartbeat like tension.
This film is 10/10 in storytelling, editing and cinematography. The cast did a good job with their characters.