Christine (Edda Barends) is your all-around average housewife in all but one aspect: She doesn’t speak. When she does choose to express herself, it spells disaster for the owner of a local boutique. A confrontation about shoplifting escalates to violence when Christine is joined by two complete strangers in bludgeoning the man to death. Annie (Nelly Frijda) and Andrea (Henriëtte Tol) kick and beat the man with Christine as several other women watch in silence. After several minutes, everyone leaves the boutique without a word.
Captured on CCTV, the police track down the three women, but without a motive, it is difficult to place the proper charge. Psychiatrist Janine van den Bos (Cox Habbema) is given the unenviable task of trying to discern why the women did what they did and gauge their sanity. While she struggles to figure out why they committed an act of such brutality, she finds herself sympathizing with the women.
A Question of Silence has been known to many lovers of feminist and foreign films since its release, but this cult classic is worth even more today. Cerebral and compelling, Janine’s struggle to find justice becomes an excellent feminist examination of the Dutch court system and society as a whole. As a court drama and crime thriller, A Question of Silence packs a punch. Director Marleen Gorris shocked viewers not only with the film’s content but her raw talent: This was her first film. The cinematography and asymmetric storytelling are fantastic even by today’s standards.
While some college Women’s Studies instructors may be interested in this title, its biggest draw will be among patrons looking for a thrilling drama with an obvious feminist lens. The booming synth soundtrack and intriguing camera style will also impress film lovers. Consider including A Question of Silence in feminist film programming. Highly Recommended.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
A Question of Silence would be a perfect fit in drama and court drama collections.
What type of programming could this title be used for?
Programming about feminist films and European cult classics would benefit from the addition of A Question of Silence.