L'adversaire (2002)

English title: The Adversary.
Synopsis (mild spoilers): A man builds a deceit about his life for his family and friends. He claims to be a medical researcher for the O.M.S. but does not work at all. He cons his relatives, in-laws and even an ex-lover into giving him their money for 'investing' and steals it. How far will he go to cover up his fraudulent ways?
Appraisal: This is a chilling story based on real events. The development of the film proceeds in a somewhat mechanical fashion, but that's probably because this is how the main character's mind works, and the film succeeds at making us participate in his own terrifying logic, to which he will abide to the tragic conclusion. Just as I did with Roberto Succo (2001), I praise this film's skill in telling the story of a sociopath and making us believe in it, but, considered as works of art, I find both films a tad limited, serving more as a vehicle for a wonderful leading performance than as a thought-provoking exposé of the dark corners of modern society.
Rating: 63