Watch Spotlight on a Murderer

Spotlight on a Murderer is a French mystery-thriller film that was released in 1961. Directed by Georges Franju, the film stars Pierre Brasseur, Pascale Audret, and Marianne Koch. The movie opens on the estate of the wealthy Count Hervé de Kerloguen, who has just passed away. His family is in mourning, but their grief is short-lived when they discover that his will is missing. The Count had hidden his will somewhere on the estate, and whoever finds it will inherit his fortune.

As the family begins searching for the will, strange things start happening. First, one of the Count's relatives disappears. Then, a mysterious figure starts leaving clues and riddles around the estate. The clues seem to lead to the location of the will, but they also suggest that the family is being watched by someone who wants to see them suffer.

The tension in the movie grows as each family member becomes a suspect. Gaston, the family's butler, seems to know more than he's letting on. Anne, the Count's daughter, is overly concerned with the family's reputation. Even the deceased Count's sister, who lives in the shadows, has a strange presence.

Meanwhile, a movie director named Jean-Marie arrives on the estate, hoping to shoot an adaptation of a novel he's written. He is quickly drawn into the family's mystery and becomes determined to solve it.

The cinematography in Spotlight on a Murderer is stunning, with haunting shots of the estate's gardens and creepy close-ups of the family members as they become increasingly paranoid. The music is also fantastic, with a lush and menacing score that keeps the audience on edge.

The acting in the film is excellent, particularly Pierre Brasseur as the family patriarch, who has a commanding presence despite only appearing in flashbacks. Marianne Koch is also captivating as the Count's sister, conveying a sense of mystery and danger with just her eyes.

Throughout the movie, there are a number of twists and turns that keep the audience guessing. Just when it seems like the mystery has been solved, another clue or revelation comes to light.

Spotlight on a Murderer is a classic example of the "whodunit" mystery genre, with a Gothic twist. The film keeps the audience guessing until the very end, and even those who think they've figured it out may be surprised by the final reveal.

In addition to its mystery plot, the movie also explores themes of greed, family dysfunction, and the line between reality and fiction. By the end of the film, the audience is left pondering the true motives of the characters and whether justice has truly been served.

Overall, Spotlight on a Murderer is a must-see for fans of classic mysteries and Gothic thrillers. Its atmospheric setting, gripping plot, and excellent performances make it a standout in the genre.