THE GRILLING

France - 1981 - Color - 87’

Dir.: Claude Miller | Scr.: Claude Miller, Michel Audiard, Jean Herman (based on the novel «Brainwash» του “Brainwash” by John Wainwright) | Cin.: Bruno Nuytten | Ed.: Albert Jurgenson | Mus.: Georges Delerue | Cast: Michel Serrault, Lino Ventura, Guy Marchand, Romy Schneider | Prod.: Georges Dancigers, Alexandre Buhkine

Lawyer Jérôme Martinaud (Michel Serrault) is interrogated by Inspector Gallien (Lino Ventura) on New Year’s Eve, suspected of the rape and murder of two young girls. Claude Miller’s French psychological thriller is a masterclass in claustrophobic, dialogue-driven cinema, built on intense verbal confrontations and nuanced performances from a stellar cast — including Romy Schneider as Martinaud’s wife. Despite its confined setting and expected narrative twists, the film transcends the boundaries of its genre, subtly touching on deeper social issues such as sexual frustration, class conflict, and police brutality. Through its riveting performances and understated direction, Garde à Vue gains psychological depth and emerges as a standout entry in the canon of police thrillers. 

It won four César Awards: Best Actor (Michel Serrault), Best Supporting Actor (Guy Marchand), Best Screenplay and Best Editing.