2023-10-16 22:02:59
“Take a good look at the accused, collect your memories, and tell us, in your soul and conscience, if you persist in recognizing in this man your former prison comrade, Jean Valjean.
Brevet looked at the accused, then turned back towards the court.
̶ Yes, Mr. President. I was the first to recognize it and I persisted. This man is Jean Valjean” (Victor Hugo, Wretched, La Pléiade Library, Gallimard). The parallel is obvious with the Goldman trial during which each witness will be invited to inspect the silhouette and appearance of Pierre Goldman. The conviction of having seen and knowing that one has seen in fact permeates Cédric Kahn’s film.
The paradox is, however, obvious: the little fabric of judicial truth is revealed as we watch several recent fictions: Anatomy of a fall (J. Triet, 2023), Saint-Omer (A. Diop, 2022) Human things (Y. Attal, 2021) and if we go back a few years to the terrifying affair Outreau (Presumed guiltyV. Garenq, 2011).
Regarding the matter Goldmanif the verdict fell almost 50 years ago, the truth nevertheless remains imprisoned on September 19, 1969. The mystery will indeed remain eternal as to what really happened that evening on Boulevard Richard Lenoir and who led Mrs Simone Delaunay and Jeanne Aubert at death.
The question persists: how can impression and memory be enough to condemn or acquit a human being? The mechanics of Cédric Khan’s film are perfectly oiled on the subject. The framework is set from the first minutes. The viewer is…
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#Goldman #Trial #anatomy #testimony #Criminal