La Cage (1975)
Directed by Pierre Granier-Deferre

Film Review

Perhaps the most wondrously off-field and watchable film in Pierre Granier-Deferre's varied directorial filmography is this bizarre mix of psychological thriller and black comedy.  Granier-Deferre's restrained direction serves the film well and allows his lead actors - Lino Ventura and Ingrid Thulin - to deliver a stunning performance.  An excellent script and a particularly noteworthy contribution from Ventura prevents what is effectively a two-handed stage piece from becoming static or boring.  Thulin manages to be both chilling and sympathetic as the somewhat deranged ex-wife - Norman Bates, but with a far better hair stylist.  Despite all this, the film is not without its faults.  The potential for black comedy isn't utilised as effectively as it could have been, but, more crucially, the film is marred by a misjudged comedy ending.

Film Synopsis

Julien, a successful property developer, gets more than he bargained for when he accepts an invitation to dinner with his ex-wife Hélène at her detached residence in the suburbs of Paris.  The couple haven't seen each other for years but even so Julien is surprised by the icy coldness of the reception he receives.  The next thing he knows he is falling through a trapdoor...  When he comes to his senses, the unfortunate man finds himself caged in a tiny room, equipped with everything he needs to keep him comfortable.  Despite his appeals and protests he knows that Hélène has absolutely no intention of letting him go.

The sad woman has probably been planning this act of revenge for years, and Julien knows that by showing anger and distress he is merely feeding her morbid satisfaction.  In fact, it is not hatred but an obsessive love that has brought Hélène to this - to imprison the one man she lost her heart to and who repaid her love by abandoning her.  She could keep him here forever, safe in the knowledge that no one else can take him from her.  But as Julien continues to rail against her it is obvious that he no longer has any feelings for her.  Seeing now that her love is dead Hélène decides that the kindest thing is to put her former husband out of his misery, by asphyxiating him.  At least it will be a painless death...