The Stranger (MA) – 123 minutes

The Stranger is a mesmerising portrait of young man different to any other.

We are in French controlled Algiers in 1938.

It is where Meursault (Benjamin Voisin), who is in his early 30s, works as a clerk.

He is quiet, unassuming, has little to say and lacks drive. 

One day he receives a telegram indicating that his mother has died.

Without showing emotion, he attends her funeral, where he doesn’t shed a tear.

The next day he goes to the local baths and is spotted by Marie Cardona (Rebecca Marder), a typist at his workplace.

He invites her to the movies and they begin a casual relationship. 

In time, Marie proposes marriage. Meursault isn’t against the idea, even though he can’t say he loves her.

Living in an apartment opposite Meursault is a volatile pimp named Raymond Sintes (Pierre Lottin), who claims his mistress, an Algerian native, cheated on him.

Sintes, who vows to get back at her by slapping her around, attracts unwanted attention from his mistress’s brother.

Sintes calls on Meursault for support, which Meursault provides. 

But then, on one hot afternoon, a tragic incident involving the mistress’s brother sees Meursault cross the line, facing an uncertain fate.

As usual, an even-tempered Meursault doesn’t appear fussed, although Marie certainly is.

Writer and director François Ozon (Swimming Pool) based this measured, black and white film on Nobel laureate Albert Camus’ 1942 iconic novel of the same name.

It is a compelling adaption. 

Its essence is dissociation, as Meursault thinks and acts like no other. He is not one for grand gestures or pronouncements. In fact, far from it.

His inability to express strong feelings is a most unusual human trait.

Benjamin Voisin does an outstanding job maintaining the “stillness” and lack of involvement required of his character.

In contrast, Rebecca Marder is vivacious and enthusiastic as his girlfriend Marie, who is attracted to Meursault’s point of difference from other men.

Pierre Lottin is unforgettable as the fearsome, shady neighbour who is used to dictating proceedings.

Another worthy of mention is Denis Lavant, who plays elderly resident Salamano, who lives in the same apartment complex as Meursault.

Salamano mistreats his dog, but misses the animal terribly when he escapes.

Lavant displays the appropriate desperation in his realisation. 

The Stranger is characterised by its remarkable cinematography.

Manu Dacosse makes excellent use of close ups, as well as light and shade.

So, it is that François Ozon has crafted an engaging and mysterious picture of a scrupulously honest loner who lives life on his terms.

Rated MA, The Stranger scores an 8 out of 10.