Le Boucher is quite possibly the best film that Claude Chabrol ever made. Considering the quality of his output at the turn of the 70's this is quite something. In line with all his best movies from this time, Le Boucher is part thriller, part psychological drama. Also like his other key works, this one doesn't really focus on the crime so much as its emotional fallout. In it a school teacher begins a restrained relationship with a local butcher, whom she subsequently suspects of serial murder. As is the way with Chabrol, this discovery only complicates her feelings for this man.
Once more Chabrol's muse Stéphane Audran stars. And as usual she is quite excellent in the role of the teacher. She imbues the character with the requisite complexity, as well as being a fragrant presence throughout. Co-star Jean Yanne, too, is quite exceptional as the title character. Both actors give the movie a dramatic weight that gives it its emotional core. But where this film differs from other Chabrol thrillers, is that there is more emphasis on suspense than normal. This combination of tension and character-driven drama is exquisitely handled by the director. For this reason Le Boucher may be the primary reason why Chabrol was referred to as 'the French Hitchcock'. Sir Alfred would have certainly been proud of this one.
Once more Chabrol's muse Stéphane Audran stars. And as usual she is quite excellent in the role of the teacher. She imbues the character with the requisite complexity, as well as being a fragrant presence throughout. Co-star Jean Yanne, too, is quite exceptional as the title character. Both actors give the movie a dramatic weight that gives it its emotional core. But where this film differs from other Chabrol thrillers, is that there is more emphasis on suspense than normal. This combination of tension and character-driven drama is exquisitely handled by the director. For this reason Le Boucher may be the primary reason why Chabrol was referred to as 'the French Hitchcock'. Sir Alfred would have certainly been proud of this one.