French thrillers always feature a strong social background: see Claude Chabrol's movies for instance. Such is the case with "Diabolique". In, say, "Vertigo" (which, like "Diabolique, was inspired by a Boileau-Narcejac novel) , the social background is nowhere to be seen; that doesn't prevent Hitchcock 's movie from being a masterpiece though. Clouzot's screenplay is much different from the original novel. The action doesn't take place in a lousy school on the paper. Clouzot wanted to be "realist", that's why he literally created the two-bit boarding-school and the grotesque teachers. The actors were so good they survived their unbelievable characters. Another significant difference between Clouzot and Hitchcock: the former saves the "surprise" for a final that leaves you on the edge of your seat, the latter-in "Vertigo"- tells the spectator the whole truth before the last third, and studies his character -who does not know- and his psychological reactions. Generally, in France, critics favor Hitch over Clouzot, but the two directors can't be compared because their approaches are diametrically opposite.

This movie is simply amazing on all fronts. It is in fact so amazing, you can't even comprehend how amazing it is until you watch it a 2nd time. Spend the 2nd time looking for plotholes, and then become frustrated when you don't find any. Bothered by the fact that film seems to move slow without a musical score? I was too at first. And then I realized how brilliant it it was. The lack of score helps to create greater tension, adding a Tell-Tale Heart quality to the story.(If you aren't familiar with the Edgar Allen Poe story of the same name, you must live under a rock. Check it out. You won't be disappointed.) The screenplay is airtight, not a single plothole. The acting is all top-notch. Extremely well-directed. If you thought this film was good, let me help persuade you towards my view. Think about when this was made, and think about the other films made at the time. This movie would stand-out as a great film today. The fact that it was made almost fifty (50, the big 5-0) years ago and you see that a true classic never goes out of style. The only reason I can think of anyone not loving this movie is they either can't appreciate a good film or are too closed-minded to watch a film that isn't in their own language. If you understand the intricacies of film-making, you will also realize how simply amazing this film is. Still not convinced? What if I tell you that Master of Suspense, Alfred Hitchcock was heavily influenced by this film when making Psycho, which is regarded as in most circles as the greatest thriller of all time. H.G. Clouzout first employed the practice of not letting anyone into Diabolique after it started. And don't forget about the twist ending so commonly seen and overused in today's cinema. How many times have you seen a twist ending in a thriller? It all started with Diabolique. Do yourself a favor and check this film out. And do your friends a favor and tell them about this suspense masterpiece. Forget about the fact that it is in subtitles. Turn the lights off. ENJOY.