Love Crime 2011
Directed by
Alain Corneau
Made by
Sundance Selects
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Love Crime (2011). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Isabelle, a driven and talented executive at an American corporation’s Paris office, faces a formidable challenge from her immediate superior, Christine, who is equally ambitious and cunning. Christine takes credit for Isabelle’s work, aiming to secure a promotion to the New York office. Frustrated and determined not to remain in the shadows, Isabelle, with the support of a compassionate colleague named Daniel, devises a secret project that impresses the New York office, leading to Christine’s promotion being rescinded.
However, Christine, angry at what she perceives as betrayal, embarks on a psychological campaign to torment Isabelle. Complicating matters further, Christine’s lover, Philippe, is rumored to be embezzling funds from the firm. Christine leverages this knowledge to blackmail Philippe into ending his affair with Isabelle, driving her to despair. Isabelle’s public humiliation peaks during a staff party when damning security footage of her breakdown is revealed to her colleagues.
Meanwhile, in a shocking turn of events, Christine is murdered at home by Isabelle, who cleverly plants evidence to frame herself as the perpetrator. The police, convinced of her motive driven by revenge, arrest Isabelle. Though she appears to be suffering from a nervous breakdown, she admits to the murder but later reconsiders, claiming her confession was coerced and extracted while under medication. Isabelle methodically dismantles the circumstantial evidence against her: she identifies scratches mistaken for knife wounds as gardening injuries, credible witnesses verify her cinema alibi, and the supposed murder weapon turns out to be in her shed.
The crucial piece of evidence is a torn section of a scarf, gifted to her by Christine, found at the crime scene. When Isabelle presents an intact version of the scarf from her home, the charges against her are dismissed, and she is released from incarceration.
In a twist of fate, acting on a tip from Isabelle, the police uncover Philippe’s embezzlement and discover the missing scarf piece hidden in his vehicle, leading to his arrest. Now liberated from her adversaries, Isabelle makes a triumphant return to her workplace. However, her loyal ally Daniel reveals that he has been privy to her manipulative game all along. As the narrative unfolds, viewers are left to question the complex dynamics of their relationship and ponder the possible repercussions of Daniel’s knowledge on Isabelle’s future actions.
Timeline
Track the key events of Love Crime (2011) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Isabelle's Ambition
Isabelle, a talented executive, strives to excel at her job in the Paris office of an American corporation. Despite her skills, she faces competition from her ambitious superior, Christine, who seeks to undermine her success.
Christine's Betrayal
Christine takes credit for Isabelle's successful work, aiming to secure a coveted promotion to the New York office. This act of betrayal frustrates Isabelle, igniting her determination to prove her worth.
The Secret Project
With the support of her compassionate colleague Daniel, Isabelle devises a secret project. This innovative work impresses the New York office, leading to a revocation of Christine's promotion.
Christine's Vengeful Campaign
In retaliation for being outmaneuvered, Christine launches a psychological campaign to torment Isabelle. This conflict escalates as both women engage in a high-stakes game of ambition and manipulation.
Philippe's Double Life
Christine's personal life becomes intertwined with the corporate drama when rumors circulate about her lover Philippe allegedly embezzling funds. Christine utilizes this information to blackmail Philippe into ending his affair with Isabelle.
Public Humiliation
Isabelle's struggles culminate in a staff party where a video of her breakdown is shown to her colleagues. The humiliation deepens her despair and frustration towards both Christine and her own situation.
The Murder of Christine
In a shocking turn of events, Isabelle kills Christine in a fit of anger and desperation. She cleverly plants evidence to implicate herself, setting off a series of chaotic events.
Arrest and Confession
The police promptly arrest Isabelle, believing her motive is rooted in revenge. Despite initially confessing to the murder, she later claims her admission was coerced and influenced by medication.
Dismantling Evidence
Isabelle works to dismantle the evidence against her, arguing that the supposed knife wounds are actually gardening injuries. She also presents credible witnesses to support her alibi during the time of the murder.
The Scarf Evidence
A crucial piece of circumstantial evidence is revealed: a torn section of scarf given to Isabelle by Christine is found at the crime scene. Isabelle ultimately produces an intact version of the scarf, leading to her charges being dismissed.
Philippe's Downfall
Acting on a tip from Isabelle, the police investigate Philippe's embezzlement, discovering the missing piece of the scarf in his vehicle. This revelation leads to his swift arrest, further complicating the muddy waters of the corporate intrigue.
Isabelle's Return
With her adversaries behind bars, Isabelle makes her triumphant return to the workplace. She is celebrated for her resilience and ability to overcome the treachery she faced at the hands of Christine.
Daniel's Revelation
Isabelle's loyal ally, Daniel, reveals that he has been aware of her manipulative strategies all along. This disclosure raises questions about the complexity of their relationship and Daniel's motivations.
Uncertain Future
As the narrative unfolds, the audience is left to ponder the potential repercussions of Daniel's knowledge on Isabelle's future actions. This hints at further complications and moral dilemmas in their relationship.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Love Crime (2011) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Isabelle
Isabelle is a driven and talented executive, characterized by her ambition and resilience. Unable to tolerate her superior's underhanded tactics, she takes drastic actions to reclaim her narrative, ultimately leading her down a dark path. Her complex personality reveals both vulnerability and a cunning survival instinct.
Christine
Christine is an ambitious and cunning individual, representing the cutthroat nature of corporate environments. Her manipulative behavior is driven by a desire for power and recognition, ultimately leading her to engage in psychological warfare against Isabelle. This makes her both a formidable opponent and a tragic figure.
Daniel
Daniel is a compassionate colleague who supports Isabelle through her struggles. His loyalty and insight reveal a moral compass within a chaotic environment. As the story unfolds, his awareness of Isabelle's manipulations complicates their relationship and adds depth to his character.
Philippe
Philippe is at the center of a love triangle and a financial scandal. His involvement with both Christine and Isabelle reveals his complex character, caught between love and deceit. His actions ultimately contribute to the film's central conflict and eventual resolution.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Love Crime (2011), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The story unfolds in contemporary times, addressing modern corporate dynamics and personal relationships. The themes of ambition and betrayal are timeless, resonating with current societal values and workplace ethics.
Location
Paris, New York
The movie takes place primarily in Paris, a city known for its rich history, culture, and business opportunities. It contrasts with New York, representing ambition and cutting-edge corporate life. Both cities are key players in the backdrop of corporate conflict and personal betrayal.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Love Crime (2011). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Psychological Warfare
The film delves into the theme of psychological manipulation, as Christine employs cunning tactics to undermine Isabelle. It examines the lengths individuals will go to maintain power and control over one another, showcasing the dark side of ambition.
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Betrayal
Betrayal is at the core of the narrative, influencing the characters' motivations and actions. Isabelle's desire to break free from Christine's shadow reveals the corrosive effects of treachery, leading to tragic outcomes and irreversible decisions.
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Justice and Manipulation
The theme of seeking justice is prevalent throughout the film. Isabelle's manipulative tactics and her journey through the legal system highlight questions surrounding guilt, innocence, and the impact of psychological pressure on truth.
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