Claire Denis’ Cannibal Crime Drama: A Study of Morality and Humanity

Claire Denis’ 2013 film “Trouble Every Day” defies easy categorization. On its surface, it’s a story about a couple whose relationship is put to the test when they’re forced to confront their own dark impulses in the midst of a cannibal attack on a young woman. But beneath this lurid plot lies a richly layered exploration of human morality that probes the complexities of human nature.

The Context of Cannibalism in Cinema

Cannibalism has long been a staple of cinematic horror, used by filmmakers like F.W. Murnau and Tod Browning to explore themes of primitivism and the “savage” Other. Directors like Luis Buñuel and Jean-Luc Godard have also employed cannibalism to comment on the decay of modern civilization and the collapse of social norms. Denis’ use of cannibalism in “Trouble Every Day” is notable for its restraint – there are no graphic gore scenes or lurid shots of flesh-eating, but rather a focus on the emotional and psychological impact of the act itself.

Moral Ambiguity in Denis’ Film

One of the most striking aspects of “Trouble Every Day” is its refusal to assign moral clarity to its characters. The couple at the center of the film, played by Vincent Gallo and Tricia Vessey, are not villains or heroes but complex human beings with their own motivations and desires. Their relationship is a nuanced exploration of intimacy and connection in the face of trauma and uncertainty.

Character Motivations and Psychological Insight

Each character in “Trouble Every Day” has a unique psychological profile. The woman who is attacked by the cannibals is not just a victim but a complex figure with her own desires and motivations – she’s actively engaged in her own fate, rather than simply passive or reactive. Similarly, the couple at the center of the film are fully realized human beings with their own emotional arcs.

Setting as Psychological Backdrop

Denis uses setting to create a sense of atmosphere and mood that’s both haunting and hypnotic. The hotel where much of the film takes place is a liminal space, a zone between reality and fantasy where characters can confront their deepest desires and anxieties. This use of setting as a psychological backdrop for character development is characteristic of Denis’ work – she’s interested in exploring the deeper emotional currents that underlie human experience.

Cannibalism as Metaphor for Consumption

In “Trouble Every Day”, cannibalism serves as a metaphor for consumption – not just literal eating but also the more abstract consumption of people, relationships, and experiences. Denis explores how human beings consume one another, both literally and figuratively, and how this consumption shapes our relationships with others and ourselves.

Cinematic Influences and Style

Denis’ style in “Trouble Every Day” is characterized by long takes, minimalist scoring, and atmospheric cinematography. These elements combine to create a sense of flow and continuity that’s both hypnotic and unsettling – the film feels like a dream or a nightmare rather than a straightforward narrative.

In the end, “Trouble Every Day” resists easy interpretation or categorization. It’s a crime drama, a horror film, a romance – and yet it’s none of these things at all. Instead, it’s a complex exploration of human morality and psychology that challenges audience expectations and forces viewers to confront their own darkest impulses. If you’re looking for a film that will challenge your assumptions about the world and yourself, then “Trouble Every Day” is definitely worth seeking out – but be warned: it’s not for the faint of heart.