Genealogies of a Crime

• Sometimes, with Ruiz's films it's like I'm dreaming. I can't really be sure of what is real or not, but not in the sense of what is staged or genuine on a film. Within the reality of the film, I just don't know if whatever I was watching can be put on the realm of reality and what is a bizarre insanity I'm simply daydreaming.

• Genealogies is a complex yet thoroughly fascinating film that seeks to comprehend a criminal mind. Catherine Deneuve plays both the murdered aunt and René's defense attorney, who sees him as a surrogate for her lost son. An intelligent screenplay elevated by an exceptional cast! Deneuve is pitch-perfect in both roles, Melvil Poupaud is equally great, and Michel Piccoli is masterful! Raoul Ruiz delivers direction fully worthy of his script. Truly great artistic invention!

• Oscillating, as in most of his films, between realism and surrealism, Raoul Ruiz brilliantly covers his tracks in "Genealogies of a Crime", sweeping us into wild psychoanalysis manipulated by delightfully extravagant staging. Much like the exhilarating "Three Lives and Only One Death", the film takes everyday realism as its launching pad only to break away rapidly and soar into the most enchanting dreamlike delirium.

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