Landru revisité par un Anglais en Amérique

[chani]

Monsieur Verdoux is such an underrated movie. I read that Chaplin considered it to be his most intelligent and most brilliant film and I understand why, even though, to me, Modern Times will always remain his true masterpiece.

I love the dark humour Chaplin displayed in the film thourgh the witty dialogues and black comedy situations, as well as the pure Chaplin-like comedy moments (especially in scenes with Anabelle Bonheur played by Martha Raye!).
Although it was a bit weird to listen to an English speaking film that is supposed to take place in France, with "monsieur", "madame" and "merci" thrown here and there, the acting is fantastic and the mise-en-scène is brilliant!

What a daring move from Chaplin to leave his famous Tramp, a likeable fellow it was normal to root for, and play this cold-blooded serial killer who would finally deliver the famous phrase:

"Wars, conflicts - it's all business. One murder makes a villain; millions a hero. Numbers sanctify."

The final message of Monsieur Verdoux is a little bit heavy, but the rest is quite subtle and some scenes are just a mere leçon de cinéma !