"Hatter's Ghost" is a forgotten Claude Chabrol film that seems to have a reputation of being a lesser work in some circles (Leonard Maltin, for example, awards it only *1/2 out of 4 stars), but let me tell you, it is made with a mastery of the film medium that most directors never even come close to achieving. However, it is also one of Chabrol's darkest films ever, with a troubling streak of misogyny that is not unprecedented in the director's filmography (see "A Double Tour" or "Pleasure Party"). Michel Serrault gives an astonishing performance that should have received much more recognition, but the fact remains that we are asked to spend a full two hours in the company of a human monster. The experience is definitely not for all tastes, but thanks to the ingenious way Chabrol slowly reveals the full extent of the situation, it's also very absorbing. And, as is the norm for a Chabrol film, this one is also extremely well photographed and scored. *** out of 4.

If this movie were ever shown in English-speaking countries they could do worse that call it Tailor and Cutter, which pretty much sums up the plot; Charles Aznavour is a tailor in a French provincial town and the only citizen to suspect hatter Michel Serrault of serial murder. As usual Chabrol is good at depicting French Provincial life though it could be argued that he lets him camera wander down the same narrow, cobblestoned street once too often. Despite his major billing Aznavour is restricted to a Supporting role at best and spends ninety five per cent of his screen time openly 'shadowing' Serrault and being taunted for his pains. Even if you don't know the storyline going in it soon becomes apparent that 1) Serrault has a secret and 2) Aznavour has a pretty shrewd idea what it is so that what pleasure there is to be had comes from observing the cat and mouse game which Serrault enjoys as much as killing and it is significant that when Aznavour falls ill and dies Serrault loses his own zest for life and throws in the towel. Certainly worth watching but not vintage Chabrol.

The plotting of "Chapelier" is actually quite dull, I must admit. But nevertheless the movie is a great piece of entertainment. The one person that makes it worth your while is Michel Serrault. He ranges among the finest actors that France brought to the screen. Here, he simply plays a total nuthead, which is absolutely entertaining to look at. Should you ever come across this movie on TV, watch it!

A hatter in a provincial town (Michel Serrault) leads the life of a respectable citizen but is in fact a serial murderer. The only person to suspect this is his neighbour the tailor (Charles Asnavour). It is difficult to believe that this film was made in the eighties as not only is the film set in the fifties but it has a totally fifties style production. It seems to be exactly the kind of film that Chabrol and the other members of the nouvelle vague were rebelling against. The story is very straightforward, the characters are stereotypes, the female characters are two dimensional and treated as objects. "Le Boucher" made years earlier is far more modern and superior in every way. The story is well told if you suspend your disbelief and the acting on the whole is good. The town in which it is set is very photogenic, with narrow cobbled streets and no traffic. Not only does it compare badly to other Chabrol films but also to other Simenon adaptations. "Monsieur Hire" has a similarly paced and straightforward story line but is more adventurous in visual style and tells a more modern story with two more believable characters. "Le Horloger de Saint-Paul" has almost a documentary style and requires a lot of thought as the development is to do with the main character rather than the storyline, and is far superior.