Polisse (2011)
Film Analysis
Director:
Maïwenn
Country:
FR.
Year:
2011.
Language
French.
Genre:
Crime/Thriller
Location shot :
Paris, France.
Cast:
Karin Viard, Joeystarr, Marina Foïs, Nicolas Duvauchelle, and Emmanuelle Bercot.
Based on:
Based on real-life cases from the Paris Police's Child Protection Unit.
Production:
Alain Attal, Mars Distribution.
Nominations:
Winning the Jury Prize at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival and earning 13 nominations at the 37th César Awards in 2012.
Trailer of Polisse (2011).
Introduction.
I first saw Polisse (2011) a couple of years ago, and it has since remained a powerful and thought-provoking experience. Directed by Maïwenn, who is also known for Mon Roi (2015), this film truly captivated me with her distinctive directing style. Maïwenn does not shy away from uncomfortable or painful topics: rather, she confronts them head-on. Polisse (2011) is a raw and uncompromising portrayal of child abuse, a subject that is both deeply unsettling and incredibly important to acknowledge.
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For non-French speakers: the title of the film Polisse (2011) is a deliberate misspelling of the word 'police,' meant to evoke the handwriting of a child. Additionally, 'Polisse' is pronounced similarly to 'Peau lisse,' which translates to 'soft skin' in French, further alluding to the innocence and vulnerability of children, reinforcing the movie's theme of child abuse.
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Polisse (2011)
The Story.
The film follows a police team in Paris, focusing on their work in the child protection unit. Watching Polisse is challenging, as some scenes are extremely difficult to endure, especially knowing that the stories depicted are based on real-life cases. However, this is where Maïwenn’s strength as a director lies. She simply shows us the facts of the world, unembellished and without judgment, allowing the audience to come to their own conclusions. She doesn’t manipulate the emotions of the viewer, nor does she sensationalize the subject matter. Instead, she leaves the moments as they are - raw and unvarnished, and at times, even laced with a surprising touch of humor. This delicate balance makes the film all the more striking.
Polisse (2011)
Notable Scenes: the dancing scene
One scene that particularly stands out to me is when the police team goes clubbing. There’s something captivating about this scene, despite its simplicity. The team, grappling with the trauma they encounter daily, seeks an outlet to unwind and decompress. Maïwenn portrays this with incredible authenticity, showing how something as ordinary as dancing can serve as a form of liberation, a temporary escape from the heavy realities they face. The choice of music and the way the scene is filmed amplifies the sense of freedom in the moment and emotional relief. The raw, spontaneous energy of the moment makes it, in my opinion, one of the most memorable scenes in the film. It's a rare, freeing break from the otherwise intense narrative, and I find myself rewatching this scene on Youtube, at least once a month...
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Polisse (2011) - the dancing scene.
Notable Scenes: the argument scene
Another standout scene is an argument between two colleagues, which demonstrates outstanding performances from the actors. The tension and raw emotion in the scene feel incredibly genuine, capturing the volatility that can arise in high-stress work environments. The actors’ delivery of the dialogue, combined with the camera’s close-up shots, draws the audience deep into the conflict. You feel as if you're a part of that argument, witnessing the raw human emotions at play.
Polisse (2011), the argument scene.
Cinematography
The cinematography in Polisse is understated but effective. The film does not rely on flashy techniques or high-budget effects. Instead, it embraces a minimalist approach, which allows the story and the characters to take center stage. The camera work feels almost documentary-like, as though we are mere observers of the events unfolding in front of us. This approach gives the film a sense of realism, making the viewer feel as though they are witnessing real life, rather than a scripted performance. The actors, in turn, bring an authenticity to their roles, delivering performances that feel incredibly natural and believable. The lack of excessive stylistic embellishments makes the moments that do shine (like the clubbing scene or the argument) all the more impactful.
Another incredible scene in Polisse (2011)
"J'ai de l'empathie pour tout: les accusés, les prévenus, y compris pour ceux qui n'avouent pas. Même quand quelqu'un n'avoue pas, on sent, si il a fait quelque chose de monstrueux, c'est qu'il a reçu quelque chose de monstrueux. C'est qu'il a manqué d'amour, de communication".
- Maïwenn, director Polisse (2011).
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"I have empathy for everyone: for the accused, the defendants, including for those who do not confess. Even when someone doesn't confess, you can feel that if they did something monstrous, it’s because they received something monstrous. It’s because they lacked love, communication."
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Final thoughts.
For me, Polisse stands out because it confronts a painful and often hidden reality that many of us try to avoid or ignore. It forces us to engage with an issue that is uncomfortable, and yet it is something we cannot afford to look away from. By presenting this reality with such brutal honesty, Maïwenn opens our eyes to the lives of those who protect the most vulnerable, as well as to the trauma they themselves endure in the process. It is not an easy film to watch, but it is a necessary one - one that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll.
Interviews and videos to watch on Youtube.
Trailer of Polisse (2011).
Interview with director Maïwenn.
Another scene in Polisse (2011).
Interview with director Maïwenn.