"Madame le Juge" is a TV quality series boasting the great Simone Signoret as its star. But the episode entitled "Le feu" leaves to be desired. The themes examined are interesting though and should have given rise to a major work. There is indeed a relevant attack against those building contractors who are prepared to do everything to achieve their ends. On the other hand, the question is about what to do when a judge has ties with his or her 'clients'. Unfortunately Philippe Condroyer, an otherwise respectable filmmaker ("Un homme à abattre", "La bande à Bonnot", "La coupeà dix francs") seems unable to breathe life into his film and thus to bring relief to his material. The rhythm is slow, the actors, including Simone Signoret who looks asleep, give the impression to remain unconcerned. The tone should be indignant and in actual fact it is listless and languid. The only good points are the well filmed forest fire, the exhilarating performance of Jean-Pierre Leroux as the eccentric suspect and, to finish, the astonishing concrete music score by Antoine Duhamel, although it sounds too unsettling and intense for the dull filmed material it illustrates.
For sure, Philippe Condroyer could have done better.
For sure, Philippe Condroyer could have done better.