Most so-called psychological thrillers are in fact contrived and psychologically implausible; "psychotic thrillers" might be a better way of describing them. But Jacques Audiard's 'Read my Lips' is a genuine example of the breed, a compelling story of how a bullied, repressed deaf woman is drawn to a mutually manipulative relationship with a violent criminal. Emmanuelle Devos is excellent in the lead role, subtly conveying the change in her character as the story progresses; Vincent Cassel, meanwhile, as the criminal, appears to be auditioning for the job of the next Gerard Depardieu, playing the shaggy old Frenchman in a role that seems light years away from his fresh-faced student in 'L'Appartament'. It's good; I recommend the same director's 'A Self-Made Hero' even more highly.

I picked this one up on a whim from the library, and was very pleasantly surprised. Lots of tight, expressionistic camera work, an equally tight script, and two superb actors all meld together to make one very fine piece of film. Not for the reptilian multiplex brain, but rather the true aficionado of cinema. If Hollywood ever does get its grimy hands on it, I'm sure it will ruin it. A choice treat all the way around. Other posters here have more than amply sung its praises, so I needn't bother duplicating their paeans; just take their advice, and mine, and don't miss this gem. Call it what you like; I call it two hours of entertainment well-spent. Read my lips: don't miss it.

Jacques Audiard is since some time a well respected French director and "Sur mes lèvres" is one of his best known ones. You can divide the movie in two parts namely the first hour at where we see how Carla (Emmanuelle Devos) meets Paul (Vincent Cassel) and then the second hour which is developing itself in a real film noir that apart from some brutal scenes can be best described as an intimate arty film noir. Carla is a secretary at a real estate company who works herself to death. Work is the sole category in where she can prove herself as not only she is hard hearing but she has no luck in love either, if love for her even exists. One day she may recruit an assistant and perhaps it's all a bit unrealistic, the job goes to Paul who is just out of jail and who even hasn't typed one letter in his life. At first it seems the two aren't exactly made for each other, but slowly grows respect and a friendship till Carla gets involved in the world of crime. The biggest problem this movie has is its impossible scenario unless you believe that some jerk out of jail without any intelligence can start working in some company doing administrative work. But that itself is just a minor point as Audiard made a more than decent crime story even if the whole plan could have been better explained, but this isn't exactly your Hollywood movie and it wasn't really Audiard's goal as well. Some journalists claim to give this movie four stars and that is exaggerated but apart from that is "Sur mes lèvres" worth the time.

I watched this movie over the span of two days. The whole day after watching the first part, I was distracted by recollections of the imagery and just basic feel of the movie and couldn't wait to see the rest. It was so refreshing to see a movie with a captivating plot and sensuality without excessive sexuality. The directing and editing tied everything together wonderfully. Definitely a nail-biter towards the end and fast-paced enough to keep one interested but not so much so that it leaves one confused. I can't think of anything negative to say about it. If only they made movies this good in America these days.....