Innocent Lies (1995)

In September 1938 a British detective comes to a small French coastal town in order to investigate the death of a colleague. Prime suspects are the members of English aristocratic family ... See full summary »

Director:

Patrick Dewolf

Writers:

Kerry Crabbe, Patrick Dewolf

Stars:

Adrian Dunbar, Florence Hoath, Sophie Aubry

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Adrian Dunbar	...	Alan Cross
Florence Hoath	...	Angela Cross
Sophie Aubry	...	Solange Montfort
Joanna Lumley	...	Lady Helena Graves
Gabrielle Anwar	...	Celia Graves
Alexis Denisof	...	Christopher Wood
Stephen Dorff	...	Jeremy Graves
Marianne Denicourt	...	Maud Graves
Melvil Poupaud	...	Louis Bernard
Bernard Haller	...	Georges Montfort
Rosalind Bennett	...	Janet Blain
Keira Knightley	...	Young Celia
Tobias Saunders	...	Celia's Brother #1
Robin Saunders	...	Celia's Brother #2
Charles Duron	...	Beach Boy

Storyline

In September 1938 a British detective comes to a small French coastal town in order to investigate the death of a colleague. Prime suspects are the members of English aristocratic family with plenty of skeletons in the closet.

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Plot Keywords:

detective | 1930s | panties | stabbed with scissors | actress | 

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Details

Country:

UK France

Language:

English French German

Release Date:

30 June 1995 (UK)

Also Known As:

Mentiras inocentes

Filming Locations:

Morbihan, France

Company Credits

Production Co:

Polygram Filmed Entertainment, Red Umbrella Productions, Septième Production

Technical Specs

Runtime:

88 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR (as Dolby Stereo SR) Stereo (as Dolby Stereo SR)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

'Julie Christie' refused the role of Lady Helena Graves

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Soundtracks

"C'est lui qu' mon coeur a choisi"
(Asso / Duard / Ginibrar - Editions Paul Beuscher)
Recording Copyright 1938 Mercury France
Performed by Édith Piaf

User Reviews

Tries WAAAAY Too Hard....

Is it a war movie? Is it film noir? Is it cheap titillation? A deep exploration of complex and controversial relationships? This film cannot decide what it is and so, as another person noted, must require several viewings in order to make sense. Sadly, it is just not compelling enough to warrant multiple viewings - unlike other films that ARE rich with complex themes and artistic vision.

The actors valiantly try to overcome the morass that is the script - but were probably as annoyed as the rest of us at the myriad loose threads that never tie up.

Adrian Dunbar portrays the frustration of someone tempted and confused by things around him - he must be the avatar for the viewer. Stephen Dorff offers another workmanlike portrayal of your friendly neighborhood rebel without a clue. Gabrielle Anwar, who is usually a fine actor, is stuck with a character whose neuroses become tedious and irritating by the end of the film. Joanna Lumley escapes caricature by a false eyelash and looks luminous in the period fashions. The rest of the cast are superfluous at best and annoying distractions at worst, doing nothing to advance the story. They and the plot lines that involve them do not even qualify as decent red herrings.

The cinematography is lovely - very atmospheric and evocative of the era - as are the costumes and staging.

Unfortunately, Dewolf's grasp at Art exceeded his reach and no amount of plot devices can make this murky movie anything more than a mild diversion. Perhaps the fault lies with the editing - which would explain the subplots that disappear and other senseless oddities. A tighter script, a focused plot, and less cheap titillation would have permitted this talented cast to fully engage the viewer in a riveting mystery flick.