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Productstar 5.0
Mortel Transfert
This 2001 film is a real page-turner - it's got all the ingredients for a gripping mystery that'll keep you on the edge of your seat till the very end. With its engaging storyline and unexpected twists, you won't be able to look away once you start watching.
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A Visually Stunning Film That Will Keep You Guessing
summarizeEditor's Summary
Mortel Transfert is a French film that flew under the radar for some viewers. I revisited this hidden gem a few times and was impressed by its unique storyline and themes. The title, while attention-grabbing, doesn't quite capture the essence of the original – it's actually about transference, where a patient projects their feelings onto their therapist and vice versa. With its blend of psychological intrigue, stylish humor, and a touch of surrealism, Mortel Transfert is a must-watch for fans of thought-provoking cinema. The film's themes of transference, psychology, and human relationships are both timely and timeless, making for a compelling watch that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
settingsSpecifications
Oyun8/10
KararMükemmel
Hikaye8/10
Kalite9/10
I revisited Mortel Transfert a few times and decided it was time to write a review. When I looked it up online, I was surprised to find it's not super well-known. I couldn't even find any mention of it on IMDB.
Other films by the director are more popular: Diva, Luna in the Sewer, and so on. But the storylines of those films didn't really grab me, whereas Mortel Transfert seemed really intriguing, and I'm glad I took a chance on it.
The title of the film is attention-grabbing, but it doesn't quite capture the essence of the original. It's not about corpses at all – it's about transference, where a patient projects their feelings onto their therapist and vice versa.
The original title is much more concise and accurately reflects the film's themes. The translated title, on the other hand, is a bit of a joke and plays on the idea of 'transferring' corpses.
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Where the film starts:
Michel Duran is a successful psychoanalyst with his own office, a housekeeper, and a regular client base. Sessions go by one after another, but when he's working with neurotic kleptomaniac Olga Kubler, he starts to doze off. And that's when things take a dark turn: by the end of the session, Olga is found strangled on his couch...
I've always been fascinated by the idea of therapists as ordinary people with their own fears and weaknesses. In real life, they often have impenetrable facades and who knows what's really going on in their heads.
I have to say, the movie really lets you see behind the mask of the doctor, and it's even more interesting to watch when they get into trouble. It's also fascinating to see how they, as a psychologist, will get out of the situation with the murder that happened right under their nose.
Who killed Laura P Olga Kubler?
But, surprisingly, the film reminds me of Twin Peaks in terms of the detective aspect. The combination of suspense and humor, the charismatic characters connected in strange ways and with plenty of secrets, the switching between storylines and mixing in flashbacks and dreams, and the theme of a woman in trouble and women in general – it's all there in the series and exactly the same in Benex's film.
I'd say it's even more – although the film is full of different intrigues, it's clear from the start who the killer is, and the details of the story unfold throughout the movie. And it's the murder that drives the plot forward. If Laura had lived, this film wouldn't have been made – just like Twin Peaks.
There's also a detective-slash-investigator, kind of, and that's the main character, Michel Duran.
The only difference is that Duran becomes a suspect in the story and has to cover his tracks, while also figuring out the mystery and himself at the same time.
One thing that struck me about Benex's approach is how different it is from Lynch's. Lynch was all about trusting your subconscious and going with the flow, without expecting that every mystery has a clear answer.
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The concept of 'Fatal Transfer' is all about excavating and burying your own psychological baggage.
Everyone in the film is doing this, and the main character is basically an expert at digging up people's hidden desires and fears.
That's why people come to him to unload the pent-up frustration and anger they have to keep bottled up in society. And Michelle does this 'excavation' by asking probing questions.
But to avoid getting overwhelmed by other people's suffering, Michelle takes care to refer to a more experienced therapist, and there she digs herself out from under other people's problems and does a bit of excavation of her own – she's in supervision.
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I've gotta say, the only person who's not into this whole excavation thing is Elane, Michel's new girlfriend. She's not all about digging deep, but more about spilling her thoughts onto canvases – a totally different approach.
I think that's why they clicked: when your job is all about getting into someone's head, you want to take a break from that in your personal life. As an artist, Elane doesn't try to find the perfect words for things, but she's great at having a clear conversation without all the analysis and jargon.
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Symbolism, themes.
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Mortel Transfer is a film that's ridiculously easy to follow, no need to overthink it and try to figure out what the author meant. The symbolism is right there in front of you, even if you're not a seasoned viewer.
I've mentioned the metaphorical meaning of excavation before, but here we get both literal and figurative meanings. Michel's 'digging' into people's minds, letting them confront their painful thoughts, and then he literally has to deal with a dead body)
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The corpse is a shameful problem people want to keep hidden and quietly get rid of. It's hilarious to see how during a session, she freaks Michel out, but the patient doesn't even notice) There are a few scenes with similar meaning, but this one is the most striking. And the funniest)
I've noticed that the patient doesn't seem to see the 'problems' because a lot of what's going on inside is often invisible. The way the hand pops out from under the couch is a clever representation of that. During the session, Michelle is so focused on his own tension that he can't concentrate on the work at hand.
It's probably what a therapist looks like when they're not doing their job properly and are violating professional ethics.
Michelle is so caught up in Olga's case that he makes a few critical mistakes, including giving false testimony to the police. Or at least, he thinks he should have referred Olga to another doctor by now, but he doesn't.
It's interesting that the 'problem' turns out to be a woman. From a creative perspective, it makes sense – there are femme fatales, but not male equivalents.
From a psychoanalytic perspective, I see this as the idea that a woman, whether alive or dead, is always a problem for a man.
Olga is a perceptive woman who's got the therapist stumped, and her husband's aggression only seems to amuse her.
I've seen characters like Olga before – she's the ultimate emotional manipulator, always digging up people's deepest fears and anxieties just to get a rise out of them. In a way, Olga represents how men often view women: living, breathing problems that are somehow less of a hassle when they're dead.
The addition of the necrophile and his blow-up doll on the graveyard set is a pretty clear indication of what men often crave but are too afraid to admit to themselves.
Michele Duran, on the other hand, is a refreshing exception to the rule.
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Psychological issues have a way of piling up over time. They snowball, and our memories start to blur the lines between reality and fantasy. And the worst part is, as long as there's at least one issue holding you back from living your life, it'll be there to haunt you – in every glance, every innocent comment, and every mundane situation.
After finding the body, Michele's interactions with others are laced with paranoia and distrust. And the raw, unflinching portrayal of his inner turmoil is downright unsettling.
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I've got to say, it's not worth dragging out the process of getting rid of them. So, Michelle grabs the dead body of Olga and tosses it into the trunk of the car the first chance she gets.
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Getting rid of the mental block with the childhood memories is similar. After someone ripped the head off her stuffed giraffe, Michelle basically buries the toy in the ground.
xa0xa0It's only when she digs it up that she's able to figure out what the toy looked like and what color it was.
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Key Features
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Mortal Transfer is definitely in my top 5 favorite movies. It's a great film because it's complex enough to keep you engaged, but not so complex that you can't enjoy it while munching on popcorn. At the same time, it's smart and interesting, without any cringeworthy toilet humor. Although, there are some low-brow jokes, they fit with the rest of the film.
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I wouldn't say that the film has any standout, memorable visual characteristics. Although, the views of France are always beautiful, and the cemeteries are immaculately kept:
xa0xa0The cinematography is good, but it doesn't blow me away. Especially after I noticed a continuity error – someone with a microphone walked backwards in front of the main character:
Around 1:17:42I've got to say, the editor did a fantastic job. The surreal scenes with rapid-fire cuts looked like acid-trip music videos and perfectly captured the story's essence.
I loved how they used double exposure – the sleeping character hearing sounds from the real world through their dreams was a stroke of genius.
Computer graphics aren't really my thing, but they're consistent throughout the film.
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The script, episode composition, humor, and that quintessential French flair really won me over.
The movie clocks in at around 2 hours – standard fare for me, but some folks might find it a bit long. The action keeps you hooked till the very end, and I found myself wondering what would happen next and how it would all wrap up. Some of the lines, like the therapist's bit about listening to people's inner jungles, really made me think.
I was impressed by how they handled Olga's kleptomania – we're shown the process of her subtle thievery, and the actress nailed it.
I've got to say, the acting is top-notch. It's one of those cases where you completely get sucked into the atmosphere, and the reactions of the characters feel so natural that you don't even want to analyze it.
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Music-wise, I'd give it 9 out of 10. The opening melody was a bit of a downer, but overall, it's great. I loved how the staccato sounds of the violin really drive home the stress Michel's under when he's messing with the corpse.
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That necrophile scene is one of my favorites, and it's all because of the music. The scene where he's getting it on with a gaudily-painted doll amidst the gothic tombstones is a total departure from the norm, and the dull, repetitive beat just adds to the effect.
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My Takeaways
Despite its flaws, the film is a real gem. The director's done an amazing job of laying out the material. It's like he's been to therapy and come out with a clear head, because the logic of the plot is just spot-on.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What is Mortel Transfert about?
Mortel Transfert is a French film that explores the themes of transference, where a patient projects their feelings onto their therapist and vice versa. The film follows the story of a successful psychoanalyst, Michel Duran, and his interactions with his patients.
Is Mortel Transfert suitable for all audiences?
While the film is rated for mature audiences, it deals with some heavy themes and intense moments that may not be suitable for all viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
What are some of Mortel Transfert's notable themes?
The film explores themes of psychology, human relationships, transference, and the complexities of the human mind. It's a thought-provoking and engaging watch that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
What is the style of Mortel Transfert's humor?
The film's humor is stylish and witty, with a touch of surrealism that adds to the overall atmosphere. It's a unique and engaging take on the traditional comedy genre.
Is Mortel Transfert available to stream or purchase?
Yes, Mortel Transfert is available to stream or purchase on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and Google Play Movies.
What are some of Mortel Transfert's notable awards or nominations?
Mortel Transfert has received several awards and nominations, including the César Award for Best Film and the Louis Delluc Prize for Best First Film.
What is Mortel Transfert's runtime?
The film's runtime is approximately 110 minutes.
What is Mortel Transfert's rating?
The film is rated for mature audiences, with a rating of 15+.
check_circlePros
- •The film's themes of transference are thought-provoking and unsettling, making for a compelling watch.
- •The cast delivers strong performances, bringing depth and nuance to their characters.
- •The cinematography is visually stunning, with a keen eye for detail and composition.
- •The film's use of music is clever and effective, adding to the overall atmosphere.
- •The storyline is engaging and unpredictable, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
- •The film's themes of psychology and human relationships are both timely and timeless.
cancelCons
- •The film's pacing can be uneven at times, which may throw some viewers off.
- •Some of the supporting characters feel a bit underdeveloped.
- •The film's themes of transference can be heavy-handed at times, making for a jarring viewing experience.
- •The film's use of surrealism can be confusing for some viewers.
- •The film's ending feels abrupt, leaving some questions unanswered.
- •The film's themes of psychology and human relationships can be intense for some viewers.
