Eaux profondes (1981)

Based on Patricia Highsmith’s classic mystery Deep Water, the smoldering French thriller Eaux profondes (1981) explores the fragile psychological state of a cuckolded husband. Jean-Louis Trintignant delivers a bravura performance as Vic Allen, a slighted husband who appears to put up with his wife’s (Isabelle Huppert) cheating with good humor. This outward acceptance is belied, however, by his sinister actions, which range from innuendo peddling to full-out murder. Most critics elected to shower their praise on Trintignant, but Huppert serves as a capable foil throughout. The French screen darling perfectly inhabits the role of a feisty tart, slipping in and out of her evening dress with admirable pizzazz.