Unveiling the Truth: Challenging the Narratives in Justine Triet and Sandra Hüller's 'Anatomy of a Fall'

The question of whether she committed the crime has been on the minds of viewers ever since "Anatomy of a Fall," the Palme d'Or winning film directed by Justine Triet and starring Sandra Hüller, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May. This courtroom drama, which revolves around a woman accused of murdering her husband, has captured the attention of French audiences and garnered recognition at international film festivals. As it approaches awards season, the film is expected to receive nominations in various categories.

Triets intricately woven screenplay, co-authored by Arthur Harari (her real-life partner), delves into not only the investigation of a crime but also the complexities of a strained marriage. Protagonist Sandra Voyter, portrayed by Hüller, is a renowned German novelist overshadowing her French husband Samuel. Following his mysterious death beneath their Alpine chalet's balcony, discovered by their blind son Daniel, an inconclusive autopsy leads to a trial. In the absence of concrete evidence, prosecutors delve into their marital dynamics to uncover a possible motive.

During his acceptance speech for the Palme d'Or, a French film director criticizes Macron.

Running for over two and a half hours, this substantial exploration of character is driven by Hüller's commanding performance. Hüller, who also appears in the highly anticipated film "The Zone of Interest" (which was a close second to Triets film at Cannes), sat down with CNN to discuss the uncertainties surrounding "Anatomy of a Falls" prior to its theatrical release in the US.

The follow interviews were conducted separately, and have been edited for length and clarity.

A still from "Anatomy of a Fall." The trial in the film looks at the push and pull of a marriage in the aftermath of the husband's death.

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CNN: Sandra, I recall that you inquired about your character's involvement in her husband's death to Justine during the early stages of production. How significant was it for you to have a concrete answer? And did Justine's response prove helpful?

Sandra Hüller: Initially, I believed it was crucial for me to have an answer, but that changed when Justine chose not to provide one. It made me realize that I could easily do without the answer. We soon discovered that the film's essence lied not solely in that aspect, but rather in the exploration of the concept of truth itself. Can we truly uncover it? Or must we learn to coexist with uncertainty? I made an effort to embrace the inherent ambiguity.

Should the audience be concerned whether or not she was responsible for the crime? According to Justine Triet, it does matter to some extent. However, she hopes that as the movie progresses, it reveals new perspectives. Triet believes that it is crucial to grasp the idea that every couple, including this one, is full of mysteries. Rather than labeling them as one-dimensional characters, such as "the bitch" or "the good guy," it is important to be compassionate and invest time in understanding their complexities. Triet even suggests that the movie could have been even longer in order to further explore the intricacies of each couple.

Did Justine fully develop Sandra on the page, or did you have the opportunity to further develop her together?

Hüller: Both. Sandra was already fully developed, but we also collaborated on shaping her character on set. The script was exceptionally well-crafted, unlike anything I had encountered before. Justine and I have a dynamic working style that involves continuous evolution and ongoing dialogue. The process was highly dynamic.

Triet: I find (Sandra Voyter) to be incredibly elusive and hard to grasp. She never apologizes for herself and has a boldness that sets her apart as a non-conforming victim. She doesn't constantly shed tears like the stereotypical perfect victim. During the court proceedings, I had hoped she would shed tears frequently, but (Sandra Hüller) refused to do so.

Once we reach the courtroom, Sandra becomes a target of various degrees of misogyny. How deeply did you want to delve into the discussion surrounding the societal expectations of marriage and the balance, or imbalance, of gender roles within a couple?

Triet: Prior to filming, my main intention was to challenge the cliché of the couple by placing the woman in a dominant role. This approach was meant to provoke a reaction.

I found it intriguing to demonstrate that when women hold such power, society tends to scrutinize and criticize them more. In the courtroom, other voices overtake hers, leaving her without control over her narrative. Her intimate life is dissected, and everything that empowers her is used against her in the legal setting. Additionally, her success as a novelist could be perceived as a threat by everyone, as she is confident and independent, making her a force to be reckoned with.

On May 22, 2023, Director Justine Triet and actor Sandra Hüller graced the Cannes Film Festival. Their exceptional film "Anatomy of a Fall" earned them the prestigious Palme d'Or, the highest accolade of the festival.

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images

What was it like on set during those courtroom days, going into these really granular details and heavy emotions?

Hüller: Justine is creating a safe environment where nobody has to worry about making mistakes or facing punishment or humiliation.

The trial posed a significant challenge due to the restriction of movement. Throughout the trial, Sandra had to remain seated on the bench with occasional permission to stand. While this was difficult, I appreciated the strict boundary it set. It forced me to concentrate and remain focused, as I couldn't rely on body movements to express myself. Instead, I had to rely solely on facial expressions and hand gestures.

Sandra's character in the film is not easily resolved. The film does not attempt to tidy her up by the end. Did it feel satisfying for you to portray a character who becomes even more complex and perhaps a little more unknowable as the film progresses?

Hüller: It was very satisfying. Because, I think, and maybe it's the same for you, I will never fully know my friends. I will always have questions about them, and there are things I would never dare to ask. For me, this approach is more honest than a typical narrative structure where we come to know a character completely, making us feel like we know everything about them in the end. I believe that's not true.

Sandra, I've heard that you're a dog enthusiast and there's a remarkable dog named Messi in this movie. I'm curious about your experience working with him, as he plays a significant role.

Hüller: It's remarkable, isn't it? I mean, how can you not adore this dog? He is an incredibly intelligent and empathetic partner. I will always be grateful to him for willingly jumping on the couch in the final scene. It had a profound impact on me. Yes, he is trained, and someone instructed him to do it, but he could have easily declined and he didn't.

"Anatomy of a Fall" is released in US cinemas on October 13 and UK cinemas November 10.