"Review of 'The Stranger': Francois Ozon transforms the Camus classic into a thought-provoking, cinematic riddle"

In the world of cinema, François Ozon's latest offering, "The Stranger" (L'Étranger), based on Albert Camus's 1942 classic novel, is a captivating exploration of the enigmatic Meursault, played by Benjamin Voisin.

The film opens with Meursault being thrown into prison, where he matter-of-factly admits to killing an Arab. This act, committed shortly after his mother's funeral, sets the stage for a narrative that delves into the complexities of human emotion and morality.

Meursault's interactions with the characters around him are intriguing. He encounters Marie, a luminous, sensual, and self-deceptive woman, with whom he later has a sexual encounter. However, Meursault's acquiescence to her proposal reveals a chilling lack of love, a trait that permeates his character throughout the story.

Denis Lavant, known for his versatile performances, plays a supporting role in the film. Although the specific character he portrays and his role in the story have not been explicitly detailed, Lavant is listed among the main cast, implying his role contributes to the unfolding of Meursault's narrative in 1930s Algeria.

The movie's visual style mirrors the affectless but oddly seductive tone of the novel. The hard, stark edges of black-and-white photography reflect the book's descriptions of behaviors and thought processes. The montage includes images of hostile stares, graffiti, and banners declaring allegiance to France, as Algerian independence was not achieved for another three decades.

Ozon's adaptation does not literalize the text, instead honoring its mystery without trying to solve it. Voisin's performance is superb, with a consistent unnerving steadiness of his gaze that perfectly encapsulates the enigmatic Meursault.

Moreover, Ozon bolsters the female characters, giving Djemila and Marie richer notes to play than the first-person narration of the book. This expansion on the novel provides a deeper understanding of the women in Meursault's life and their roles in his story.

The movie also includes a brief, rich montage of archival footage of 1930s Algiers, offering a glimpse into the specific political environment of pre-war Algeria. Ozon's intelligent contemporary expansion on the novel serves to enhance the timeless appeal of the narrative.

In conclusion, "The Stranger" is a compelling adaptation that faithfully captures the essence of Camus's novel while offering a fresh perspective on the story. The performances, visual style, and expanded exploration of the female characters make it a must-watch for fans of the novel and cinema enthusiasts alike.