Tromperie (2021) – A Literary and Intimate Dance of Power and Desire
Genre: Drama / Romance
Director: Arnaud Desplechin
Starring: Denis Podalydès, Léa Seydoux, Emmanuelle Devos, Anouk Grinberg
Tromperie (also known as Deception) is a cerebral, dialogue-driven adaptation of Philip Roth’s novel, brought to the screen by acclaimed French director Arnaud Desplechin. Set almost entirely in a writer’s London apartment, the film explores the emotionally charged and often ambiguous relationships between a writer (Denis Podalydès) and the women who orbit his life—especially his British mistress, played with magnetic allure by Léa Seydoux.
The story unfolds as a series of intimate conversations, mostly between the writer and his lover, but also with other women from his past and present. These dialogues serve as layered explorations of memory, sexuality, fidelity, and identity. Through their exchanges, the film raises questions about truth and fiction, as well as the fine line between artistic inspiration and emotional manipulation.
Desplechin’s direction is subtle and theatrical, emphasizing mood and language over conventional plot. The film’s minimalistic setting, mostly confined to a single room, enhances the sense of psychological intensity and intellectual tension. Denis Podalydès is compelling as the enigmatic author, but it’s Léa Seydoux who commands the screen—her performance is simultaneously vulnerable and defiant, making her character both muse and equal.
Tromperie isn’t a film for everyone—it demands patience and attention—but for those drawn to philosophical dramas and character studies, it’s a richly rewarding meditation on the complexities of relationships and the art of storytelling.
Have you seen this intense and intellectual drama? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
