La face (2016) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A prosecutor's faith in legal principles is tested by a disappearance whose evidence never settles what happened or who is responsible.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

A Prosecutor's Principles

The opening trial establishes Paul's strict view of law and his refusal to treat emotional motives as part of the penal code. His conversation with Melanie tests that outlook, while an approaching storm hints at his unease.

Key Events

• Bergerane Trial — Paul addresses the trial of an elderly woman sentenced for burning a doctor's study. Characters: Paul Berthier Location: Bergerane courtroom
• Verdict Challenged — The defense attacks the verdict in the case that caused the doctor's and his wife's deaths. Characters: Paul Berthier Location: Bergerane courtroom
• Paul Defends the Republic — Paul says he defended the Republic and its citizens, not a personal victory. Characters: Paul Berthier Location: Bergerane courtroom
• A Walk with Melanie — Paul spends time with Melanie and discusses the principles behind his work. Characters: Paul Berthier, Melanie Florian Location: Outdoors
• Debate over Circumstances — Melanie argues that prosecutors should consider extenuating circumstances; Paul assigns that role to jurors and defense lawyers. Characters: Paul Berthier, Melanie Florian Location: Outdoors
• Storm Approaches — An approaching storm unsettles Paul during the outing. Characters: Paul Berthier, Melanie Florian Location: Outdoors

The Creek Disappearance

Catoun disappears, and her bicycle and tracks near the creek shape the inquiry. With no body found, authorities consider several possible explanations and increasingly treat the case as a likely death.

Key Events

• Catoun Disappears — Catoun disappears, prompting uncertainty about what happened to her. Characters: Catoun Garrel Location: Creek area
• Bicycle Found — Investigators find Catoun's bicycle near the creek. Characters: Catoun Garrel Location: Near the creek
• Tracks Lead to Water — Tracks lead toward the water, with none indicating that Catoun returned. Characters: Catoun Garrel Location: Creek
• Possible Fates Considered — Investigators consider drowning, suicide, or being pushed; no body is found. Characters: Catoun Garrel Location: Creek

Paul Under Scrutiny

Paul is questioned because he and Melanie were near the creek during the probable time of the disappearance. He gives their timeline and says they saw nothing.

Key Events

• Paul Questioned — Paul is questioned because he and Melanie were near the creek during the likely time of Catoun's disappearance. Characters: Paul Berthier, Melanie Florian Location: Investigation setting
• Paul Gives His Timeline — Paul says they were there from noon until about three and saw nothing. Characters: Paul Berthier, Melanie Florian Location: Investigation setting

An Uncertain Account

Guillaume is arrested and Serge seeks legal assistance for him. Guillaume rejects a proposed accidental-fall explanation, then recounts his coercive encounter with Catoun while leaving the circumstances of her entry into the river unresolved.

Key Events

• Guillaume Arrested — Suspicion falls on Guillaume, who is arrested and loudly insists he is innocent. Characters: Guillaume Vauban Location: Unspecified
• Serge Seeks Counsel — Serge urgently seeks legal assistance for Guillaume. Characters: Serge Vauban, Guillaume Vauban Location: Unspecified
• Accident Defense Proposed — A lawyer proposes that Catoun fell during an argument and Guillaume failed to save her. Characters: Paul Berthier, Guillaume Vauban Location: Legal proceedings
• Guillaume Rejects Account — Guillaume rejects the proposed explanation, saying it is not the truth. Characters: Guillaume Vauban Location: Legal proceedings
• Creek Encounter Recounted — Guillaume says he pressured Catoun to stay, made unwanted advances, and saw her leave after he apologized for her injury. Characters: Guillaume Vauban, Catoun Garrel Location: Near the creek
• Responsibility Unresolved — Guillaume says he does not know when or how Catoun entered the river; her fate and his responsibility remain unresolved. Characters: Guillaume Vauban, Catoun Garrel Location: Creek

Story Breakdown

• The Trial — Paul's public role establishes his strict approach to law.
  • Verdict Disputed — The defense attacks the sentence imposed on the elderly woman.
  • Republic Defended — Paul says his work defended the Republic and its citizens, not a personal victory.
• Paul and Melanie — Their outing reveals disagreement about the place of circumstances in prosecution.
  • Moral Debate — Melanie urges consideration of extenuating circumstances, while Paul assigns that matter to jurors and defense lawyers.
  • Approaching Storm — The storm unsettles Paul during their time together.
• Catoun's Disappearance — Catoun's absence initiates an uncertain investigation centered on the creek.
  • Bicycle Near Creek — Investigators find Catoun's bicycle near the water.
  • Tracks Toward Water — Tracks lead toward the creek, with no signs that Catoun returned.
• Uncertain Fates — The lack of a body leaves several possible explanations open.
  • Possible Drowning — Authorities consider that Catoun may have drowned.
  • Other Possibilities — Suicide or being pushed are also considered, without a settled conclusion.
• Paul Questioned — Paul's presence near the creek brings him into the inquiry.
  • Creek Timeline — Paul says he and Melanie were there from noon until about three.
  • No Witnessed Event — Paul says that neither he nor Melanie saw anything.
• Guillaume's Arrest — Suspicion shifts to Guillaume, who protests his innocence.
  • Serge Seeks Help — Serge urgently seeks legal assistance for Guillaume.
  • Innocence Asserted — Guillaume loudly insists that he is innocent after his arrest.
• A Rejected Defense — A proposed accidental-fall explanation fails to satisfy Guillaume.
  • Accident Theory — A lawyer proposes that Catoun fell during an argument and Guillaume failed to save her.
  • Account Rejected — Guillaume says the proposed explanation is not the truth.
• The Creek Encounter — Guillaume's account describes pressure and unwanted advances but does not resolve Catoun's fate.
  • Catoun Refuses — Guillaume says Catoun refused his advances, insulted him, and left after he apologized for her injury.
  • Responsibility Unresolved — He says he does not know when or how she entered the river.

Directed by

Marc Rivière

Key Cast

• Bruno Solo — Paul Berthier
• Hippolyte Girardot — Serge Vauban
• Julia Faure — Melanie Florian
• Victor Pontecorvo — Guillaume Vauban
• Florence Coste — Catoun Garrel