The Film:
Le Boucher is yet another release in Arrow's recent "The Claude Chabrol Collection" range. Obviously directed by Frenchman Claude Chabrol (Que La Bete Meure, Les Biches), Le Boucher stars Chabrol regulars Stephane Audran (The Blood Of Other's, Babette's Feast) and Jean Yanne (Line Of Demarcation, Monkey Money) as school headmistress Helene and village butcher Popaul.
Starting off with a scene set at a wedding reception, Helene and Popaul, who had never before met, sit next to each other. They begin to talk and Popaul walks her home, back to the local school. It is here the friendship between them begins as Popaul brings her a leg of lamb in front of her students and Helene invites him to hers that night to share it. Amongst this blossoming relationship though, there has been a dead body dicovered in the woods surrounding the village of a local girl. As the villagers talk about it in the shops (the bakers and Popauls butchers most often), they feel the police must be looking for a tramp. However, it all takes a turn for the worse when Helene discover a second body and also finds out that Popaul is the killer, leading to thrilling and dramatic end.
Highly regarded as Chabrol's greatest thriller, Le Boucher is a decent enough film, but for me, it seemed to lack a bit more excitement and although it didn't fail in drawing me into the story, I wasn't concentrating fully on the scene. The story is pretty good and well written, and the acting is nothing short of excellent, but unfortunately, Chabrol's direction didn't seem to stand out as much as in other films like Nada and Que La Bete Meure, mainly due to the more straightforward plot without any twists and turns (something that most thrillers should have). It was made obvious, pretty much straight from the start who the killer is spoiling the film somewhat and leaving me in disarray. For me, this is an average thriller, and below average Chabrol film that I would recommend to Chabrol completists and fans of French cinema. People who really enjoy thrillers may also like this film, but others might want to give it a miss.
Picture:
Arrow Films have given us a slightly cropped anamorphic transfer at 1.78:1 (the OAR is 1.85:1) and it is relatively good. Aside from minor grain and dirt, the print does have the occasional scratch. Overall, it shouldn't put you off the film and the grain even gives it a bit of a gritty feel, which is right for the film.
Audio:
Only one audio track to report of and it is the original Dolby Digital 2.0 Dual Mono track in French. The track is above average and is consistent with sound levels and as it is a dialogue driven film, doesn't need a remixed 5.1 track as it would simply spoil it. The track is above average for what it is required to do. No complaints.
Extras:
None.
