A Crime in Paradise (2001)

In "A Crime in Paradise," the tranquil veneer of the 1980's French countryside is disrupted by the relentless animosity between Jojo, a hardworking farmer, and his cantankerous wife, Lulu. Despite their deep-seated hatred for each other, the shackles of shared interests and societal norms stand against the prospect of divorce. The specter of the guillotine, a chilling reminder of the ultimate price of crime, is the only deterrent keeping the downtrodden Jojo from snapping. However, the narrative takes an ingenious twist, echoing the clever wit of Sacha Guitry's 1951 black comedy "La Poison." Jojo, stepping into the shoes of Guitry's protagonist Michel Simon, executes a plan as audacious as it is cunning. He orchestrates the murder of his wife, yet, in a daring display of defiance, confesses his guilt in open court. Jojo's defense strategy is a bold gambit, targeting every man who has ever yearned for the silence of a nagging wife. He maneuvers the labyrinth of legal proceedings with a devilish charm, managing to escape the jaws of justice despite his cheerful admission of guilt. This stirring narrative, a remake of the quirky "La Poison" and the precursor to the 1966 Jack Lemmon comedy "How to Murder Your Wife," offers a delicious blend of dark humor and intricate plotting. While "A Crime in Paradise" retains the cleverness of its original, it introduces a new layer of appeal for a broader audience. Through a sequence of unexpected circumstances and plot twists, this film immerses the viewer in a tumultuous tale of marital discord and the audacious lengths one man will go to for freedom.

A Crime in Paradise is a comedy movie featuring André Dussollier.

A Crime in Paradise is currently streaming on Cinessance.