Tromperie (2021)
“Tromperie” (2021), directed by Arnaud Desplechin and based on Philip Roth’s novel of the same name, is a French drama that intricately explores the themes of love, infidelity, and the blurred lines between truth and fiction. With a screenplay co-written by Desplechin and Julie Peyr, the film invites the audience into a complex and morally ambiguous world where desire, betrayal, and memory intersect. Featuring a talented ensemble cast, including Denis Podalydès, Léa Seydoux, Anouk Grinberg, and Emmanuelle Devos, Tromperie is a poignant reflection on the fragility of human relationships and the secrets that shape them.
The narrative of Tromperie centers around a writer (played by Denis Podalydès) who is navigating a web of emotional and romantic entanglements. The story is told through a series of intimate conversations and recollections, where the central character reflects on his extramarital affairs and his complex relationships with several women.
As the plot unfolds, we are drawn into a world where love and deceit are intertwined, and the boundaries between truth and fiction are constantly questioned. The film explores not only the consequences of infidelity but also the psychological intricacies of desire, jealousy, and personal identity.
The title of the film, Tromperie, translates to “Deception,” and it aptly reflects the pervasive theme of dishonesty that runs through the story. Each character’s motivations are clouded by deception—whether it is a lie told to protect feelings or a self-deception to rationalize one’s actions.
The writer’s relationship with his wife, played by Anouk Grinberg, is complicated by his emotional and sexual entanglements with other women, including a passionate affair with Léa Seydoux’s character. The characters’ evolving dynamics are marked by moments of tenderness, guilt, and emotional vulnerability, all of which are explored through the film’s thoughtful and introspective dialogue.
