François Ozon has adapted a monumental work of literature – The Stranger by Albert Camus.

In 1930s Algeria, the apathetic Meursault (Benjamin Voisin) shows total indifference to life. His emotional detachment leads to a murder, followed by a trial that scrutinises both the crime and his character.

The Garden Cinema View:

Although Camus’ The Stranger remains a potent and problematic treatise on colonialism, existentialism, and absurdism, it is also a daunting project for adaptation, particularly in France where is stature is so monumental. Ozon’s attempt is both very faithful to the text, whilst adding subtle details to add depth to some of the Algerian characters. Shot in crisp monochrome with period details and fashion, the film looks beautiful. And this being Ozon, there’s a strong current of eroticism. The resulting film has echoes of Netflix’s Ripley, and certainly Meursault and Tom Ripley share a sense of psychotic charisma. This aestheticism imbues the narrative with a sense of distance and apathy. Whilst that might capture Meursault’s mood, it does not allow the viewer much emotional space.

It’s a handsome production, but one that proves that the deeper themes of the novel remain difficult to translate to screen.

Cast:
Benjamin Voisin, Rebecca Marder, Pierre Lottin, Denis Lavant, Swann Arlaud