James R | On 07, Mar 2021

Director: Alexis Bruchon
Cast: Paul Bruchon
Certificate: 18
Watch The Woman with Leopard Shoes online in the UK: Glasgow Film Festival

The Woman with Leopard Shoes is one of the films playing at the online Glasgow Film Festival. For the full line-up, plus how the festival works, see our guide here.

Sometimes, the more restrictions a film faces, the more it thrives – and that’s certainly the case for this enjoyably low-key thriller, which unfolds almost entirely in one location.

The Woman with Leopard Shoes follows a burglar who breaks into a home to steal a box, only for guests to arrive and leave him hiding in the study. Director Alexis Bruchon takes his cue from Hitchcock and film noir, not only in his gorgeous black-and-white visuals but in the restraint shown by the camera’s perspective.

Information is drip-fed through text messages more than dialogue, with our antihero not saying a word throughout the 80-minute runtime. A mystery in which our detective has no name or voice might sound like a dull, unengaging affair, but Bruchon’s inventive wit forces us to share his viewpoint on the world; the film limits us to the burglar’s eye-line and understanding of what’s going on, discovering information about the party guests, their intentions and their significance regarding what’s happened to him, from their footwear.

The result is a taut puzzle that blends femme fatale elements with an energetic jazzy soundtrack, crafting a classic feel to an undoubtable contemporary mystery. As adventurous as it is understated, it’s a masterclass in turning budgets and restrictions to the advantage of the story. As for the storyteller, this is an impressive calling card and a stylish surprise. Watch out for whatever Alexis Bruchon does next.

 

The Woman with Leopard Shoes is streaming at the Glasgow Film Festival until 4pm on Monday 8th March. Book tickets here.

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