Les Biches

Chabrol’s sensual psychological thriller has traces of Patricia Highsmith’s The Talented Mr. Ripley , but his take on this story of deceit, jealousy and obsession switches the gender of the characters and shifts its focus on the dynamic between the haves and the have-nots. Through a maze of shadowy emotions, lesbian leanings, and throes of passion, the film’s messy love triangle – between a rich woman, the poor street artist whom she seduces, and an attractive architect they both fall for – shows how the rich exert power over the poor until fighting back is the only choice. Reviving Chabrol’s creative reputation after a long slump, Les Biches marked an important turning point for the filmmaker.

Berlin International Film Festival: Silver Bear for Best Actress