HUSBAND'S REACTION TO INFORMATION

Like most Chabrol films this film presents beautiful, talented people at least one of whom is deeply flawed. So the film was is in no way surprising. However, what was shocking to me was the husband's reaction at the film's climax. As he learns the true nature of reality, his response is completely unemotional--even though there are lives at stake. No anger, no confrontation, just the same expression on his face as he wears throughout the film. In fact, he takes what he has just discovered and leaves the room, retreating to his piano. He is a professional pianist and much of the action in the film takes place in this room. But for him to play music after what he has just heard and shut down his emotions is mind-blowing to me; he is either completely neurotic or Chabrol seeks to convey that there is NOTHING to do in the face of pathology. Either way I could not comprehend what I was watching.