Set against the dramatic backdrop of the French Alps, the central action of Anatomy of a Fall kicks off in the sitting room of an idyllic wooden chalet. Auto-fiction writer Sandra Voyter (Hüller) pours a glass of wine for the young student interviewing her; a courtesy so commonplace it's all but forgotten as soon as it happens, but one which will return to haunt her. This is the genius of Anatomy of a Fall: the meticulous way in which the trial at the heart of the film is built on the tiniest, most scrupulous details to form the picture of a life.
In the midst of the interview, deafening music suddenly fills the house. Thrumming bass, steady drums, jazzy saxophone interludes: if it weren't for the tension around the ear-splitting volume, Bacao Rhythm and Steel Band's cover of ‘P.I.M.P' would give off what can only be described as the best of vibes. But instead, the atmosphere it creates is alarmingly at odds with the track's laid-back air. In an attempt to cover up this discord, Sandra explains the music is part of her husband Samuel's work (spoiler: it's not). The interview is cut short. Sandra bids the interviewer an awkward farewell. The next day, Samuel Maleski is found dead.
There is so much to appreciate about this compelling courtroom drama. However, it is the genius of the screenplay which ultimately ties everything together. Returning from a walk with his loyal dog Snoop, Daniel (Milo Machado Graner) finds his father's body sprawled in the snow in a pool of blood — an image acutely at conflict with the beauty surrounding the scene.
This sense of the ground constantly shifting is consistent throughout Anatomy of a Fall. Standing accused for her husband's murder, it is down to Sandra and her team to prove her innocence. Surely, with such little evidence tying Sandra to the death, this could only have been a suicide. But as is always the case for women who go against the grain, Sandra is not on trial for murder. It is her character which is on trial here, and oftentimes, we the audience are seated as the jury.
Anatomy of a Fall offers a striking commentary on the persecution of women who boldly refuse to bend to what husbands, children, and societies as a whole expect of them. The complex dynamic between Sandra and Samuel is something the prosecution repeatedly return to during the trial. Samuel, a stay-at-home father (by choice) is praised for home-schooling Daniel; who was nearly blinded by a car accident at the age of four. Sandra, on the other hand, is crucified for daring to pursue a successful career and take a step back from the traditional role of a mother. That's not to say she is cool, distant, or uncaring in any way — contrary to what the prosecution would have you believe. One simple gaze at the manner in which Daniel turns to his mother for comfort would dispel any such notions. Hüller delivers a nuanced performance as Sandra's moral character is dredged up, torn apart and churned back out. She is truly a spectacle to behold; failing to acknowledge her performance would be the true crime here.
Similarly outstanding is Milo Machado Graner as Daniel, especially for an actor so young. The scope in which Graner needed to grapple with the death of his fictional father and the possible incarceration of his mother is surely an intimidating prospect for a young actor. But Graner takes it in his stride. He gives a deft, quiet, profoundly impactful performance which feels mature beyond his years and floors not only the audience, but the adults on screen around him. He is, frankly, phenomenal.
And lest we forget Daniel's loyal companion Snoop, played by the furry, four-legged Messi who has just claimed Cannes' “Palm Dog” prize and is absolutely deserving of the award.
Anatomy of a Fall really and truly has it all. It is neither overly-theatrical nor sensational, but entirely gripping. The use of stillness, silence and diegetic sound is bold and supremely effective. The stunning final act ties everything together beautifully. Anatomy of a Fall is meticulous in its attention to detail just as any trial should be. The love of the craft itself pays off in nearly every aspect of the production. It is a stroke of courtroom genius.
