‘The Crime Is Mine’ Review – A Zany, Witty Crime Comedy

“There is nothing like a little success to bring joy back…” This line is lamented by Nadia Tereszkiewicz, who plays Madeleine Verdier in The Crime Is Mine (French Title: Mon Crime). The film is a modern update to the golden age of ’30s and ’40s screwball comedies. Set in Paris, the story follows a struggling actress (Tereszkiewicz) accused of murdering a well-off but seedy theater producer. Teaming with her best friend and lawyer, Pauline (Rebecca Marder), she confesses to the crime despite never actually committing it. After she is found innocent, fame and fortune follow. However, it all comes at an absurd cost once the truth emerges. Hilarity, scheming, and outright satire ensue in this brilliant and zany comedy.

Director Francois Ozon notes that in directing the film, he felt the need for “whimsy and lightness to combat the harsh realities of the present.” On that note, he delivers on that promise. The Crime Is Mine establishes itself as a light-hearted and fun romp from the opening and continues to the newsreel ending. Despite its setting in Paris circa 1930, the film never feels dated. From the start, the orchestral score is sweeping. It gives a unique combination of film noir mixed with the blares from Hollywood’s golden age. Foreboding, on one hand, yet exciting all at once. Ozon unleashes a ball that, despite its farcical nature, offers a clever commentary on the social and sexual politics of the era. 

As with any good screwball comedy, dialogue and wit are key. The Crime Is Mine is a deft script with plot points of murder, extortion, camaraderie, and romance. Connecting it all is sharp dialogue. Isabelle Huppert, who plays the small but pivotal role of Odette Chaumette, gets some of the best lines. One in particular is where she verbally accosts a judge, “So you’re a corrupt noodle!” Like others, she brings a sassy wit to this role and delivers her lines with delightful pomp. 

That transitions finely to the ensemble of this film. As is the case in all movies, but mainly a screwball comedy, casting will bring the house down with roars of applause or thunderous boos. Fortunately, it is the former in this film. Every actor is marvelous—the supporting role of Huppert, who plays an aging actress desperate to hold onto the spotlight. Each character elevates the witty material and amusing situation. 

However, the duo of Madeleine and Pauline (played by Tereszkiweicz and Marder) keeps the laughs coming and the whacky story-turning. The film can only be enjoyed appropriately by assessing them as two leads. They play characters with different stations, Madeleine, an actress, and Pauline, a lawyer, but their bond of sisterhood unites them. Both take no prisoners and are the propelling and hilarious force on which the movie exists. In addition, their comedy hits all the proper notes and is never over-the-top or exaggerated. Despite the outlandish nature, both actresses take the material seriously, resulting in a hilarious romp.

Terszkiweicz brings a zest to her performance as the struggling actress. Marder balances her with a more strait-laced turn as a penniless lawyer. Both work as a team in terms of the story, and each has a few moments to take center stage and fire on all cylinders with gusto. 

The film has credibility thanks to the strong performances that balance out the cartoonish antics. As mentioned, there is a unique commentary running throughout the film. The film plays to the social norms and politics of its time; it reveals how much of the past is still mixed with the present-day world.  Bravo, Ozon, for spotlighting this era. Through dry humor and outlandish wit, he reminds audiences of the persisting imbalance regarding equality, sexuality, power, fame, and fortune.  

The Crime Is Mine is a modern successor to the screwball comedies that audiences applauded in the ’30s and ’40s. This well-timed update fits in the film library with celebrated American hits such as True Confession and Arsenic and Old Lace. There is unbridled passion throughout this picture, offering audiences food for thought and a lot of laughs while thinking about it.

The Crime Is Mine is currently playing in select theaters courtesy of Music Box Films. 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEI0IGFdxoc]