Bored and frustrated with the lackluster performance of his
English literature class, teacher Germain
(Fabrice Luchini) sees potential in the voyeuristic writing of
Claude (Ernst Umhauer) a young boy obsessed with a friend's family.
With a simple story that doesn't take much to tell, it is
certainly an achievement to say that In the house is truly riveting throughout
never letting up for comic relief or unnecessary sub-plots. Very much
driving towards the films conclusion, the film plays out as if the
audience is reading an engaging novel, very much relating to the themes of the
film with the adult protagonist following suit being apprehensive in
approach to the writing but elated whilst reading. Considering the films
darker themes we also, as spectators feel ashamed at being
so encapsulated within a story of such voyeurism. Much of
this engrossment within the film comes from the acting performances, most
notably from young actor Ernst Umhauer who plays the teenage boy with such
sufficient menace and depth that his rather unrealistic character
becomes believable and captivating as we attempt to deconstruct his
complex behaviour; as he does with the characters he writes about. Using
intelligent narrative and cinematic techniques
to further increase the tempo of the story, the films
cinematography is truly stunning carrying a bold sense of self-importance that
only further involves the audience within its brilliant tale.
Despite being a little unrealistic and contrived, In the
house proves to be a truly gripping piece of filmmaking giving a thought
provoking explanation into the thrills of voyeuristic reading through
the use of rich, meaningful characters.
8.5/10- Dark, disturbing and undeniably involving.
Calum Russell
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