A Comedy of Power

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Based on a true story, A Comedy Of Power sees ice-cold magistrate Jeanne Charmant-Killman (Huppert) investigate a corporate scandal involving top businessman Michel Humeau (Berleand). As Jeanne struggles to get to the root of the Enron-style corruption, narrowly escaping an attempt on her life in the process, her personal relationships fall apart; her jealous husband (Renucci) fights to exist outside his successful wife, while she fights her attraction to his nephew. Don't let the title fool you - A Comedy Of Power is not funny, but then again it is not meant to be, as stiffness, manners and politeness run riot. There really isn't anything special going on here; the film looks and sounds (an unusual and pointless use of music dotted throughout) like a TV drama. There is never a feeling that the case Jeanne is investigating is a big deal, that the situation is of utmost importance, or that there is anything at stake. The plotting is drab, the pace drags and the result is boredom. So it is left to the characters to carry the weight. They, however, aren't appealing enough to render sympathy or interest, even though director Chabrol puts Huppert in every scene and explores how power can change a personality.