This is a remarkable file in many respect. Most importantly perhaps, it is the first major motion picture (TMK) which captures realistically and artfully the atmosphere of the child-sex abuse hysteria that gripped the Western world in the last twenty years of the 20th century. Perhaps all English-speaking countries had some harrowing example of this cultural phenom, with the McMartin preschool and the Bronx 5 cases in the U.S., Martensville in Canada, ChristChurch Civic Creche in New Zealand and the Cleveland child abuse sandal in England being the best known exemplars. "Presumé coupable" (Guilty) offers a rare insight into the sorry spectacle of a justice system being uprooted by popular, media-orchestrated, amplified hysterias and unscrupulous operators posing as defenders of public virtue. The francophone setting of this familiar drama, based on an actual, well known judicial fiasco in Nothern France - Belgium at the break of the millennium, makes it all the more fascinating.
The acting is superb. Phillipe Torreton as the falsely accused Alain Marécaux struggling to get a grip on a world gone mad, delivers a stunning performance, which I simply cannot believe was not acknowledged by the Academy in the US. This is a classic of gut-wrenching drama delivered by a true virtuoso. Wladimir Yordanoff as the defence counsel has also delivered a masterful performance of a converted "believer" in Alain's innocence. Finally, Raphael Ferret's insight into a fanatic posing as a professionally detached examining judge helps to create an absolutely convincing air of authenticity for the drama.
Last but not the least, the directing of Vincent Garenq matches the talent of his actors. The direction has a single point of focus- Marécaux - which might have easily been a recipe for boring, overdrawn melodrama. With Torreton, though, it works to perfection. I warmly recommend this film as a real artistic feat and a much needed social commentary.
The acting is superb. Phillipe Torreton as the falsely accused Alain Marécaux struggling to get a grip on a world gone mad, delivers a stunning performance, which I simply cannot believe was not acknowledged by the Academy in the US. This is a classic of gut-wrenching drama delivered by a true virtuoso. Wladimir Yordanoff as the defence counsel has also delivered a masterful performance of a converted "believer" in Alain's innocence. Finally, Raphael Ferret's insight into a fanatic posing as a professionally detached examining judge helps to create an absolutely convincing air of authenticity for the drama.
Last but not the least, the directing of Vincent Garenq matches the talent of his actors. The direction has a single point of focus- Marécaux - which might have easily been a recipe for boring, overdrawn melodrama. With Torreton, though, it works to perfection. I warmly recommend this film as a real artistic feat and a much needed social commentary.