"Anatomy of a Fall" is a master-craft of a film that keeps the audience in a constant state of uncertainty when it boils down to guilt or innocence. The film is designed to disorient and engage the viewer, making it difficult to distinguish emotions and prompting multiple interpretations. Its courtroom-style drama makes the film so unnerving yet enjoyable as the intricate details of the plot unfold before our eyes.
The relationship between Michael and Sandra, particularly highlighted in a pivotal courtroom fight scene, is central to the film and reminiscent of complex dynamics that I've seen in other movies like "Phantom Thread." This scene offers a glimpse into the unorthodox nature of their relationship and its significance in the narrative.
Throughout the film, the viewer is constantly kept on edge, oscillating between empathy or hatred with Sandra and experiencing a range of emotions that evoke a deep interest in themes of law, justice, and righteousness. The acting is exceptional across the board, with notable performances even from the child actor playing Daniel, Sandra's son, and the dog, who won the Palm Dog award at Cannes.
The film's technical elements, including camera work, blocking, screenwriting, and sound design, are top quality too, contributing to the immersive viewing experience. These elements work in tandem to challenge the audience's perception of reality, lies, and fiction.
The script's depth shines through in a scene involving the introduction of Sandra's book, which brilliantly illustrates the blurred lines between reality and fiction within a courtroom setting. The ending of "Anatomy of a Fall" is a profound exploration of the ambiguous nature of victory and the complex emotions that accompany it. Sandra, the film’s protagonist, faces a deeply introspective moment following her legal triumph. Throughout the film, she confronts with the possibility of losing, viewing it as a definitive end with no alternatives. However, upon winning, she struggles to face an unexpected reality. The anticipated grandeur and fulfillment she expected from her victory are absent. Instead, she is engulfed by a sense of emptiness and a lack of fulfillment, challenging the conventional notions of winning and its supposed rewards.
This twist in the narrative adds a deeper layer to the film's exploration of human psychology. Sandra’s reflection that losing would have led her life down a singular, predictable path contrasts sharply with the complexities and uncertainties she faces after winning. The victory, though relieving, does not bring the closure or happiness she anticipated. Instead, it leaves her in a limbo of sorts, free from the immediate threat of loss but still shackled by an unfulfilled longing and the absence of contentment.
The film’s ending, thus, touches into the paradox of success. Sandra’s win in court symbolizes a broader commentary on life's victories and the often-overlooked consequences they can entail. It raises key questions about the nature of happiness and fulfillment, suggesting that sometimes, the clarity and simplicity associated with loss can be more comforting than the complex, uncharted aftermath of a win. This nuanced portrayal of an aftermath of a significant life event showcases the depth of the film’s narrative, leaving the audience to ponder the true meaning of victory and the elusive nature of satisfaction and contentment.
