Read Positive User Reviews for Elle

9

zembowerboyNov 12, 2016

Thanks to a typically brilliant performance by Isabelle Huppert (and really, when is she not great), and Paul Verhoeven working at peak power. ELLE takes what could have been a typical rape-revenge thriller and transforms into something elseThanks to a typically brilliant performance by Isabelle Huppert (and really, when is she not great), and Paul Verhoeven working at peak power. ELLE takes what could have been a typical rape-revenge thriller and transforms into something else entirely. Subverting expectations at every moment, taking the story to twisted and twisty, not to mention disturbing, areas I was not expecting. This is a compulsively compelling character study that leaves much to discuss and gets better the more one thinks about it. Layered and unforgettable.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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9

foxgroveNov 11, 2016

Isabelle Huppert has never been better than in this wonderfully constructed drama by Paul Verhoeven. Although positioning a rape front and centre, this is no ordinary revenge drama but a well written and directed character driven thrillerIsabelle Huppert has never been better than in this wonderfully constructed drama by Paul Verhoeven. Although positioning a rape front and centre, this is no ordinary revenge drama but a well written and directed character driven thriller that keeps you guessing as to the culprit's identity despite a few red herrings being thrown into the mix. It's fair to say that the film is about 10 minutes too long and for those paying close attention the eventual unmasking of the guilty party comes as no big surprise. Compelling and stylish film making non-the less.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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7

Brent_MarchantNov 24, 2016

A disturbing and twisted yet strangely compelling story of sexual compulsion and antisocial behavior that says as much about the society in which we exist as it does about the characters on the screen. Many of the film's shocking sequencesA disturbing and twisted yet strangely compelling story of sexual compulsion and antisocial behavior that says as much about the society in which we exist as it does about the characters on the screen. Many of the film's shocking sequences are on par with those found in pictures like "A Clockwork Orange" and definitely not for the squeamish nor faint of heart, but its superb lead performance by Isabelle Huppert nevertheless keeps one's eyes glued to the screen, almost no matter what happens. Those easily offended by violence and explicit sexuality would be wise to skip this one, but viewers who appreciate a provocative psychological thriller with a singularly cynical, macabre wit may find this an irresistible guilty pleasure.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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8

sanyrubNov 13, 2017

Absolutely disturbing film that probably won´t go the way you would think at first if you hadn´t heard that much about it. It´s definitely engaging form beginning to end (despite being long, many things happen). Most of the characters if notAbsolutely disturbing film that probably won´t go the way you would think at first if you hadn´t heard that much about it. It´s definitely engaging form beginning to end (despite being long, many things happen). Most of the characters if not all are quite amoral probably in an attempt at reflecting what all of us humans can be. Good and bad. Way more exaggerated than what most people in real life are in my opinion, but that´s not a problem of the film of course. A lot of issues are approached regarding sex most of all, also other types of relationships and mental states. Every actor plays their part successfully and nothing will leave you indifferent. A very strong 8/10 from me for a very daring and out there film.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

ProsmoothNov 13, 2016

Oh boy. Here we go. This one is going to be controversial as hell. This never could have been made in America. For one thing--the heroine isn't likable. For another--her unlikeability isn't shown as a weakness of character. The less you knowOh boy. Here we go. This one is going to be controversial as hell. This never could have been made in America. For one thing--the heroine isn't likable. For another--her unlikeability isn't shown as a weakness of character. The less you know going into this one, the better. One of the best performances of the year by Isabelle Huppert. Great thriller.… Expand

5 of 7 users found this helpful52

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7

BHBarryDec 28, 2016

“Elle” is a French film based on the novel “Oh…” written by Philippe Dijan (“Betty Blue”) with a screenplay by David Birke. Directed by Paul Verhoeven the movie stars Isabelle Huppert, Charles Berling and Laurent Lafitte in this tale of a“Elle” is a French film based on the novel “Oh…” written by Philippe Dijan (“Betty Blue”) with a screenplay by David Birke. Directed by Paul Verhoeven the movie stars Isabelle Huppert, Charles Berling and Laurent Lafitte in this tale of a woman who is raped and how she copes with the incident. The rape scenes are brutal in their violence and makes the viewing of the film an uneasy experience. What is more uneasy is the mind of the viewer as he or she recalls and tries to understand the theatrical presentation they have just seen for the story is complicated and made even more so by the subtitles. I am sure a French viewer would find the film easier to understand than his or her English-speaking counterpart. All that being said, this film is filled with suspense and mystery and, more than anything else, is a tribute and testament to the talents of Ms. Huppert. Her unbelievable ability to communicate and exude various degrees of emotions and sex appeal without ever uttering a word speaks volumes to her amazing acting ability. I give a 7.5 with a warning for the squeamish viewer to beware.… Expand