The story begins with audio of news reports concerning Hélène Picard, a prostitute, who had been convicted an executed for the murders of a string of other prostitutes. However, when similar killings begin again, the public is left to question whether the right person had been convicted. Parallel to that, Hélène’s executioner, Louis Guilbeau (Claude Merlin), who has a history of paranoia, was in the army before becoming a government civil servant. Louis has developed a relationship with investigating officer Solange Pradel (Solange Lebas). Soon, Pradel realizes that her new friend might be involved in the crimes. Has Louis’s participation in government sanctioned death, turned him into a serial killer?
Highly experimental, more a series of intertwining scenes than a linear narrative, A Woman Kills begins as a whodunit (though the killer is quickly obvious) but turns into a manhunt midway through. While there are brief moments of expected violence, and copious amounts of nudity, its the difference in socio-economic status in Paris that resonate. Vagrants are forced to sell themselves, ignored by others who walk the streets reveling in the romanticism of it all.
It’s impossible to know what the reaction to A woman Kills would have been had it been released five decades ago. For film scholars of today, it serves as a valuable piece of film history, made at a time of considerable uncertainty and unrest. Sadly, the issue of economic oppression remains as relevant today as it was in 1968.
It’s impossible to know what the reaction to A woman Kills would have been had it been released five decades ago. For film scholars of today, it serves as a valuable piece of film history, made at a time of considerable uncertainty and unrest. Sadly, the issue of economic oppression remains as relevant today as it was in 1968.
Presented in a restoration of the original 2K elements as completed by Luna Park, this is an appropriately ratty looking film. Given the history of A Woman Kills, the transfer is surprisingly excellent. There are occasional instances of minute debris, but it never interfered with the overall viewing process. Fine detail isn’t necessarily up to the standards of a modern film, but one could argue this contributes to the ratty look of the proceedings. Black and white contrast is consistent throughout. Again, considering that A Woman Kills was shelved for decades, the resulting transfer deserves applause.
The LPCM 2.0 Mono track in the original French is faithful to the source. Effects are accurate and Bernard Vitet’s score adds to the realism of the proceedings. The French dialogue is clean, clear and concise throughout.
English SDH subtitles are available.
The following extras are included:
- Audio Commentary by Kat Ellinger and Virginie Sélavy
- Introduction by Virginie Sélavy (HD, 4:53) Background on director Jean-Denis Bonan and the events in France, 1968 that provided him with unexpected “local color”. This is accessible either under the Special Features Menu, as a standalone offering, or under the Play Menu, where it is authored to move directly on to the feature.
- On the Margin: The Cursed Films of Jean-Denis Bonan (HD, 37:15) A documentary produced by Luna Park Films in 2015, with some additional footage added in 2022. Bonan and several other collaborators are interviewed in this look at Bonan’s rocky history in the French film industry. In French with English subtitles.
- Short Films Directed by Jean-Denis Bonan:
- The Short Life of Monsieur Mercieu (1962) (HD, 13:04)
- A Crime of Love (1965), Rushes (HD, 6:53) is an unfinished project, here with commentary by Bonan (in French, with English subtitles).
- Sadness of the Anthropophagi (1966) (HD, 23:38)
- Crazy Mathieu (1967) (HD, 17:01)
- Season with Mankind (1967) (HD; 18:43
- Booklet: Includes essays, interviews and reviews. A nice addition to the set.