Qui a tué Bambi? (2003)

Director:

Gilles Marchand

Writers:

Vincent Dietschy (writer)
Gilles Marchand (writer)

Release Date:

24 December 2003 (France)

Genre:

Thriller | Drama

Plot:

Isabelle, a beautiful nursing student, is starting her internship at a prestigious hospital. She meets Dr...

Plot Keywords:

Hospital | Syringe | Nurse | Naked Woman | Nude Camel Toe

Awards:

3 nominations

Cast

Sophie Quinton	...	Isabelle / Bambi
Laurent Lucas	...	Dr. Philipp
Catherine Jacob	...	Véronique
Yasmine Belmadi	...	Sami
Michèle Moretti	...	Mme Vachon
Valérie Donzelli	...	Nathalie
Jean-Claude Jay	...	White-Haired Surgeon
Aladin Reibel	...	Fair-Headed Anaesthetist
Thierry Bosc	...	General Manager
Lucia Sanchez	...	Spanish Nurse
Fily Keita	...	Marion
Sophie Medina	...	Carole
Joséphine de Meaux	...	Dumb Nurse
Lucienne Moreau	...	Lady
Catherine Salvini	...	Instructor

Also Known As:

Fuis, Bambi, fuis (France) (working title)
Who Killed Bambi? (International: English title)

Runtime:

France:126 min (Cannes Film Festival) | Japan:125 min | USA:126 min | USA:121 min (DVD)

Country:

France

Language:

French

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | DTS

Certification:

Germany:16 | UK:18 | Netherlands:16 | Singapore:M18

Filming Locations:

Paris, France

Company:

Canal+

Mesmerizing

This movie is another good example of the 'How' prevailing over the 'What' in cinematic sense. I do agree with those who say that its denouement is plain and understand those who complain of the absence of climax but the question is - do we need a striking ending or a climatic revelation? Isabelle's gradual finding out that the charmingly monstrous Dr. Philipp is a psychopath is no surprise and the way the movie ends is no surprise either (which for some means the same as 'disappointing') but the unfolding of events, the characters' development and the quiet un-climatic finale - they all, in fact, are in great harmony with the tempo and atmosphere of the film which makes an absolutely hypnotizing effect.

I wouldn't dare to call this movie a masterpiece or sensation but as a psychological thriller it is very sufficient. I totally loved the acting from both the lead characters, Sophie Quinton (Isabelle) is lovely and subtle in her innocent, pure, unstable fragility and Laurent Lucas (Dr. Philipp) is completely stunning: at one moment he's unemotional and nonchalant, interested and cunningly smiling at the other, devilishly attractive and abhorrent at the same time; through the whole film you so want to believe that he is a good and kind guy but the further the story goes the more repulsive and scary he becomes; this is actually the change Isabelle's own attitude towards him undergoes. I also liked the bizarre line of the plot's development; as it was mentioned in the comment from Charbax - weirdness is the main trait of this film, and it only benefits from it, not vise versa.

The visual peculiarity of the film is its main merit (together with the acting). Beauty, strangeness and fear are perfectly conveyed through the set-design and fantastic cinematography. Music also adds a bunch to suspense slightly and eventually building up. Dream sequences, fainting fits, the snow-cleanness of the hospital and the stern darkness of the night, long corridors, lot of empty space - all is saturated with the atmosphere of unprotectedness and drowsiness which hangs in the air like an easily catchable aroma. Who cares for the plot and the dialogue when you can't get your eyes off the screen?

What I find especially interesting about the film is its treatment of the 'Good seduced by Evil' question. Isabelle's being both attracted and scared by Dr. Philipp till the very end as if keeps you on your toes, you can't say for sure whether she falls or resists. I give this film 9 out of 10 and highly recommend watching it. On TV screen, by the way, it is much more enjoyable to see - alone, relaxed, with choked lights and an open mind.