Elle (2016) Movie Explained

The "French Meryl Streep" has ours beat.
Let me know your thoughts down below!
► Support the Show for $1: / theatzshow
In this video I:
-Explain the 2016 film "Elle" & it's themes
-Analyze Isabelle Huppert's Performance
ELLE (2016):
A successful businesswoman gets caught up in a game of cat and mouse as she tracks down the unknown man who raped her.
Director: Paul Verhoeven
Writers: David Birke (screenplay), Philippe Djian (novel)
Stars: Isabelle Huppert, Laurent Lafitte, Anne Consigny
---------------------------------------­­­--------------------------------------­-­-­
Follow Me On
► Facebook: / theatzshow
► Twitter: / theatzshow
► Soundcloud: / theatzshow
►AtZ Flicks Channel!
/ @letmeexplain
►Artwork by: / amcdrawings
►Music by: MC Music
/ @marcuscastillo1848
►Graphic Designs by: The Late Reviews
/ thelatereviews1

[@KoujiAlex]

Wow I didn't catch the intention of Michele to have her son "save her" to boost his confidence the first time I watched the film until you pointed it out.

[@ssilva872]

Same. Just watched it today on HBO and thought it was pretty great.

[@robertgiles9124]

DON'T BELIEVE IT, she would have to know that the guy was coming again for her at just the right time, that her son would be there at just the right moment, and know that her son would also win, and or not get injured himself; a long shot at best. her son was pushed around by his gf, why not a rapist? he could have got raped himself...this film was all over the map anyways.

[@alish4498]

@@robertgiles9124I agree she didn't plan for her son coming to save her, that was only accident

[@robertgiles9124]

@Qwerty Bastard In a film like this ANYTHING could happen.

[@eev14]

You explained this perfectly! I explained it a lot like this to my boyfriend, it's basically all about power play/control and dysfunctional relationships. Also there is no definitive conclusion, not to anyone's character nor to their moral standing (aside from the rapist of course). This film also forces you to move away from your idea of how a rape victim SHOULD respond (which is either by being incredibly emotionally overwhelmed/damaged after the event or by becoming angry/motivated and taking control over your life), Michele is not what you'd expect of a regular rape victim, but her backstory is also not that of a regular woman and her personality therefor is also unique. In the end the film is about a very unique person living through trauma and her life being very much centered around: control, violence, and sexuality.

[@thxverymuch6962]

Every single individual in this movie is utterly deplorable. It’s not about “power relationships”, it’s just a bunch of bastards being bastards to each other.

[@antojames9387]

In this film, Michelle is a narcissist, who is extremely jealous and even hurt her ex-husband's young girlfriend with a toothpick placing on food, sadistic towards her ex-husband by fooling him with fake project promises in her company, hypocritical towards her mother on relationship though she's cheating her best friend...etc.

[@valhalla1240]

I loved it when the director said: I don't believe in this american idea that characters develop :D so true!

[@michaelotis223]

Valhalla agreed. It's such an American viewpoint of what a film SHOULD be. As if art is set in stone

[@IAteFire]

Michael Otis Character development is not just an American idea

[@christianbomar6772]

Valhalla Has that’s just an excuse to tell a garbage story

[@Dancerama6]

This was the first French film I ever saw. I wholeheartedly think Isabelle deserved that Oscar out of those nominated. In La La Land, Emma Stone 'Emma Stoned' her way through it. The same girl just in a different movie. In Elle, Isabelle WAS Michele. She completely dived into the character and you bought it. That is what should be winning Oscars. Once Emma can do that, then she will deserve one. Right now she has one because she's a big name that was in a well received film by critics.

[@cutiepie4183]

Dancerama6 it was my first french film too

[@vins1979]

If you liked Isabelle Huppert in "Helle", please, watch "The Piano Teacher", by Michael Haneke, by far Isabelle Huppert's greatest role! Also, if you want to explore French cinema a bit more, you should definitely have a look at: Amélie (2001), The Intouchables (2011), 8 Women (2002). French cinema has the reputation of being boring and too "existentialistic", but these movies are very very nice and they are so good!

[@spilledtea_]

I honestly thought Emma Stone was far better in The Favourite.

[@nedjecamillechevry5695]

she starts a romance with him before she finds out hes the rapist not after. i just finished the film, it was interesting to see a victim that is not all good, she is quite a monster and hurts everyone one around her, the audience wasnt forced to empathize with her because shes a good mother good wife who is kind to everyone, but you empathize only because she is human. Her mother is a bit like the adience too i think, with her insisting she shold go see the father even after all the horrible things he has done . Just my thoughts.

[@howard5992]

He comes to attack her a second time and she fights back and unmasks him. Then they have a consensual relationship that "plays" at rape.

[@nedjecamillechevry5695]

@@howard5992 Yes, I know. I understood it as an exposition of the lines we draw in relationships when it comes to role play, and simulating violence during sex. Not to mention the confusion a victim of sexual assault/rape feels when the act is done to you by someone you already have a sexual relationship with.

[@murdockfiles9406]

Elle, what a beautiful portrayal of human ineptitude. Isabelle Huppert was robbed of an Oscar.

[@TheCUCHISS]

Murdock Files How about Amy Adams in Arrival?

[@ximenavazquez3764]

Natalie Portman on Jackie.

[@roccobogi154]

Ximena Vazquez she was awful

[@pavleradovanovic9841]

Just watched this, she was amazing

[@erinarmstrong2110]

Cause this Frenchie's have no boundaries. I couldn't help but laugh 😆

[@lou9511]

I love this comment section some people calling this movie trash and garbage and others saying they love this movie. I want to watch it from these comments alone

[@tari111090]

This didn't really seem a comedy or a revenge thriller. It was just like a character drama to me.

[@kieakewii]

Never heard of the film and probably wouldn't give a chance, but you broke it down to where I would consider it.

[@EdjeMr1975]

Then U are not a Paul Verhoeven Fan There is a new french movie from Paul Verhoeven .. Bernadette the blessed virgin " 2020 in Teathers

[@dgooz]

Really nice review and breakdown. I got the film for the most part but you pointed out some things that I was still confused about, and I have been in Michele's position. Another great one from Verhoeven and Huppert is stellar as usual.

[@stephenjacewicz4594]

This is one of the very best films I've seen in a while. I miss The ATZ Show vids so much!!! Please bring it back thanks! And wow... That's the same director of those films... Wow. I've seen Total Recall not RoboCop yet and not Starship Troopers yet I don't plan on seeing Showgirls.

[@temshasanaie2478]

I thought the movie showed that she was also a psychopath like her father. She genuinely bonded with the rapist and then when her son killed him she covered her tracks like a true psychopath would. Her friend even forgave her for cheating with her husband because she knew she couldn't help herself.

[@noobra5262]

Man, this was a very beautiful breakdown by you.

[@tiagov.s.2693]

Nobody here in france considers her the french meryl streep tho She's just a really good actress

[@zan3958]

Tiago V.S. Isn’t Meryl just a really good actress?

[@jacquiedls]

@@zan3958 lol Meryl 'just' a really good actress? she's the most decorated living actress of all.

[@starsareangels]

I consider Huppert a better actress than Streep

[@catarinaleal7781]

@@starsareangels Me too for sure

[@jesusjavierondo6774]

@@starsareangels me too

[@beatleschica]

Thank you so much for your video!! After the death of the imdb message boards, I feel like I'm at a loss for understanding all the complicated films. You paint the lead in Elle as almost as a hero, saving everyone around her, even saving her rapist's wife. Most of the reactions in the movie are definitely far-fetched. Have to go see this movie again.

[@alejandrogonzalez00]

I love how you were playing the soundtrack from Midnight in Paris in your video

[@Lillpixeychic]

You understood this movie in a very deep way. I don’t think I would’ve seen it otherwise and now I’m excited to go see it even though I watch the ending pretty much.

[@jairusashleybongabong3031]

Wow the explanation was as great as the movie ,I just watched it hours ago and you have pointed a lot of thought that actually came to my find after watching the movie

[@jaywar69]

Isabelle Huppert is in her early 60's and she is still smoking hot! Wow...

[@temshasanaie2478]

body double with good special effects. You cant seriously believe she looks like that

[@catfoy8888]

Tom cavanagh is 52

[@cxx1559]

cat foy he's 53 now but I loved randomly seeing his name in the comments

[@bskingofkings1990]

Wonderfully interpretated....love it

[@arshilpotter2543]

My requests for explained videos are "The Childhood of a Leader","Demon","Evolution 2015" and "Girl Asleep." I recommend you to watch all these movies because they are weird and awesome! Coming to "Elle" I thought the movie was about forgiving the people around us.

[@ocksee]

Damn. Great explanation, that definitely changed my opinion. Also favourite french film is definitely The Prophet.

[@UserUser-vk1xr]

Great videos bro

[@TheCreepypro]

Wow man when I first heard of this film I must admit I had no interest but after watching this video I can't help but feel I have wronged this movie by judging it prematurely I'm going to find this movie and give it the chance it deserves thanks again for another thought provoking video

[@stephenpowstinger733]

I am glad you related the history of the director. I remember how shocking Robocop was with its extreme violence and I think the director is still trying to shock us. The movie is almost a horror picture, in that the heroine is always under-reacting to danger, even courting it.

[@aritroroy1486]

this video really made me rethink whole the movie. thank you

[@TheAtZShow]

What is your favorite French film?

[@aadityabhattacharya]

The AtZ Show Amour

[@UatuOmega]

The City of Lost Children

[@highwind1991]

The AtZ Show Contempt

[@StolenPvP]

Kid with a bike.

[@ChrisCarmona]

The 400 Blows

[@polaricecaps10]

Damn this movie sounds really interesting. Don't know if I would actually enjoy watching it, but the way you've described it has me intrigued.

[@shirochi7161]

Holy crap. This movie sounds and looks good. I need to watch it ASAP.

[@highwind1991]

this and the lobster were my two favorite films of 2016

[@omg9261]

I know it's been 6 years, but still there is a chnce you would reply. Could you please recommend me more movies to watch? (if possible, recommend me many) because it looks like you have great taste

[@ngreen6436]

The thing with Me before you however, is that it was disabled people getting upset with how it portrayed disability, as well as the big decision at the end.

[@jimisunkissed6164]

When I first watch the movie I interpretted it as a movie about power. But on second watch I think it's about pride and shame which you could probably argue is the same thing.

[@TeresaBaileypolymath]

I would love an ending analyzed for "The Conversation". Just how was he bugged in the end? I'd enjoy hearing your thoughts. Thanks for this one. I'm going to watch the movie now that you've brought it to my attention.

[@EvieVane]

BRILLIANT thx :)

[@keggerous]

Robocop is one of the best movies ever made so I look forward to watching Elle. In fact, I'm going to stop this video and start watching it right now!

[@jif635]

I need to watch this film, it sounds lovely.

[@timiyaac]

idk if anyone said it but i think elle means she in french, not her but still! good video! wanna give it a watch now

[@lpr5269]

It can mean "She" or "Her" depending on if it's the subject of the sentence or the object of a preposition.

[@marko7552]

great movie

[@princessYellowpants]

Please do “the Berlin syndrome” from Netflix

[@aadityabhattacharya]

I come to a conclusion that people don't to be challenge there thought and idea. Ps I love Esabella Huppert , she is my favourite actress

[@user-bh9ct6jy8h]

Very good, at least a good critic. People don't think anymore.

[@boolocklock]

In terms of favorite French film it has to be the 400 blows. That film is a true masterpiece in the French new Wave. In terms of Elle, I loved this movie. I like how it's more about the character of Michele. It feels like a revenge thriller but it's more compelling when they add dark humor and some twists and turns in the plot that you don't see coming. Plus Huppert's character isn't someone you sympathize with after she gets raped which is why it works. Overall, I think this video did explain the movie well since I first saw it back at NYFF with Paul and Isabelle in attendance.

[@michaelotis223]

Ian Bulaclac I love how Michelle doesn't beg the audience for sympathy.... Her ordeal is handled on her terms! Subtle feminism not being shoved down our throats

[@betatester66]

this is a trip

[@WYIT0]

I was more scared when she was alone at home than her. Sounds like this was intentional.

[@cas3891]

Wow i didnt know a director from my country made al these movies

[@jqyhlmnp]

"The switch is intentional"

[@tungsten1979]

Good movie..i will give it an 8/10.

[@anyonymouscube]

Its the next step

[@user-xy7xu2js8j]

ขอบใจนะจ๊ะ

[@user-kc1dz5vo9d]

聽說看這頻道可以正三觀 可是英文字幕看的頭暈啊

[@bobbi7011]

can you do the movie Darling?

[@AngeAlexiel]

ohh let me explain ....

[@TakeItorLeaveItReviews]

Cache

[@kkelseym]

I'm just... really tired of films using women being raped as a way to show how strong they can be or to force a change in their character or whatever. It's just lazy at this point.

[@jacquiedls]

can you list these movies? Yes there was rape in this, but I can't see how this movie is similar in any other way to any other film i've ever seen.

[@starsareangels]

@@jacquiedls He's talking about how this movie is a counter to those movies

[@h.a.r.p.e.r1191]

This I think is the only film where I can't even explain the dynamics of it.

[@sudeeplohar6871]

Funny Games

[@aadityabhattacharya]

well u please review The Salesman

[@StolenPvP]

Aaditya Bhattacharya my favorite film of 2016

[@lilyabrams3292]

And showgirls the best good bad movies

[@bskingofkings1990]

And you do it for the piano teacher....

[@zan3958]

Emma Stone did not deserve that Oscar

[@jacquiedls]

Agreed. Especially with Isabelle Huppert as a fellow nominee

[@dragonetafireball]

When it comes to Me Before You though I get the problem of it being another film in the overall trend of non disabled people dipicting the struggles of disability the story it’s though not the best executed isn’t really speaking on everybody but an individual and I think some controversy could have been avoided if they had better emphasised that they had attempted to get him psychological help and it hadn’t worked for him. My true problem and others I’ve spoken to is the book. It’s poorly researched and has a lot of incorrect information about paralysis. This more than the film gives the impression to some with paralysis that the author does really care about the condition and it just clunky and convenient. Some people just used the film as an opportunity to spark more discussion about depictions of disability in popular media. Sure ethnic minorities are largely under represented in popular media but the practice of blackface is now taboo. By best estimates over 97% of disabled characters are not played by actors with the disability. To some it feels a little like if 12 years a slave’s main character was played by someone in blackface. It can ruin the impact. If Me Before You existed in a vacuum it’d be fine but it’s a part of a larger trend. Like how some in the LGBT community criticise the number of mainstream films about homosexual romance ending in tragedy and it’s fine individually but many want a run of the mill romance that ends well. It’s gotten better over the years and hopefully the same will happen with disabilities but overall I’m just trying to get across peoples problems with the film don’t always boils down to them thinking the films saying all paralysed people should be euthanised. This video isn’t even about Me Before You and this video has been out a while so I suspect no one will even read this.

[@ludara8697]

The only movie that pissed me off. Great movie.

[@Mjmccoyslean]

I completely agree with Mr. Verhoeven's belief/Statement... he's right, more films could benefit from this particular approach...Great vid.

[@vladtheimpaler2707]

Danm a powerful woman

[@blueblack3591]

analyse raw

[@TheAtZShow]

That's the next one!

[@blueblack3591]

The AtZ Show omg so cool thanks

[@josecruz9642]

I loved this film, It was interesting to see a woman decided not to be a víctim, and in charge of her life, a person is in diferent colors not black or white, good or bad, like she said its an individual life not like women should act or react about raping..

[@TruthOnly142]

You should review 'All About Lily Chou Chou'

[@raulcc1993]

Do a video about Lars Von Trier's Melancholia

[@katiebug080592]

Dude wtf happened with the sound in your video?

[@attackofthecopyrightbots]

I’m baffled no one ever mentions this is the only movie where they used a real game but put sex in it lol

[@chloejohnson6618]

Ugh the movie doesn't seem that bad but I wish directors and writers stop using topics like rape to convey they're messages. It takes away from the film to me and a lot of others about a film that actually may or may not be a really good film. I maybe sensitive but I feel like unless the movie is tackling the issue like rape it shouldn't be in it most of the time. Idk maybe I'm being over sensitive🤷🏾‍♀️ I just hate seeing such serious issues that cause a lot of harm to ppl thrown in movie without addressing it properly. Again I might be over sensitive and I'm open to other's opinions on the matter.

[@zan3958]

May be*

[@jacobmorales323]

Well at least you know you’re over sensitive and we don’t have to view you’re creative outlet on the big screen

[@christianbomar6772]

Qwerty Bastard lol yeah man rape is a super light concept that should be joked about. It’s not serious at all. You’re completely right. You’re a fucking genius

[@keggerous]

Oh shut up . . . you wish they would stop using this emotional human experience that is shared by many people to portray the existential crisis of being a human? wow . . . what a douchy opinion. "I may be sensitive" . . . no fucking shit.

[@jacquiedls]

you are being over sensitive. at least you're on to it.

[@judebest8586]

Let me explain?

[@MattM16]

Huppert > Streep

[@dannyspursuit1659]

hi

[@laurentcouturier9474]

😂😂😂✌️✌️🙏

[@ScottKorin]

...nope. Nope nope nope nope...

[@jlo1195]

hahah is this film about Activision/Blizzard???

[@ahsansiddiqui4263]

just the sheer pre meditation shown in this movie for a rape crime should be appalling in its very nature of human abnormality. such a person is clearly very sick.

[@OverdramaticAngel]

"As someone with a sibling with a disability" is basically "I have a black friend". How about you don't speak on behalf of people with disabilities? We have our own thoughts and opinions and don't need to be told "Nope, you're wrong, here's how it really is." It's an attempt to silence us, whether you mean it to be or not. You've also drastically misunderstood why so many people have a problem with the movie. My guess is you took a surface look, didn't like what disabled people were saying and looked no further, because you didn't like what was being said. It would have been a good opportunity for non-disabled people to sit down, be quiet and _listen._ But I guess that's too much to ask for. I'm really disappointed. I like this channel, as well as LME, but I'm not sure I can get past this.

[@JohnDoe-vw4zf]

Do you think that you speak for all disabled people? Do you think that family members of disabled people can't formulate their own opinions on those topics? You can complain about whatever you want and you just wrote out your opinion so stop trying to victimize yourself so you don't have to hear opinions you don't like and shove you're condescending unsalted opinion up your disabled ass.

[@VidWatcher01]

Rape & comedy are 2 words that should never go together 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@lordnasty8160]

I'm not going to purchase this movie until I am certain there is a... English audio option. I hate subtitles

[@Parasolhyena]

I don't think I've ever seen a movie do that other then animated movies? I could be wrong though, I've just never seen one.

[@jasaviion8134]

50 shades of grey with old people.

[@lilyblu4577]

Showgirls had the worst acting I've ever seen.

[@VidWatcher01]

"Everybody got AIDS & shit" is probably one of the worst lines I have ever heard from a movie, one of the reasons I think that movie has some of the worst dialouge I have ever heard🤦🏾‍♀️

[@gustavocurielmendiola8103]

I still don't like the film

[@thataesthetixxbitxh9716]

I don't mind the controversial subject, what bothers me is that the movie was really fucking shitty.

[@nataliedelagrandiere4022]

The most awful movie.

[@dragonetafireball]

When it comes to Me Before You though I get the problem of it being another film in the overall trend of non disabled people dipicting the struggles of disability the story it’s though not the best executed isn’t really speaking on everybody but an individual and I think some controversy could have been avoided if they had better emphasised that they had attempted to get him psychological help and it hadn’t worked for him. My true problem and others I’ve spoken to is the book. It’s poorly researched and has a lot of incorrect information about paralysis. This more than the film gives the impression to some with paralysis that the author does really care about the condition and it just clunky and convenient. Some people just used the film as an opportunity to spark more discussion about depictions of disability in popular media. Sure ethnic minorities are largely under represented in popular media but the practice of blackface is now taboo. By best estimates over 97% of disabled characters are not played by actors with the disability. To some it feels a little like if 12 years a slave’s main character was played by someone in blackface. It can ruin the impact. If Me Before You existed in a vacuum it’d be fine but it’s a part of a larger trend. Like how some in the LGBT community criticise the number of mainstream films about homosexual romance ending in tragedy and it’s fine individually but many want a run of the mill romance that ends well. It’s gotten better over the years and hopefully the same will happen with disabilities but overall I’m just trying to get across peoples problems with the film don’t always boils down to them thinking the films saying all paralysed people should be euthanised. This video isn’t even about Me Before You and this video has been out a while so I suspect no one will even read this.