From Rock Star to Killer Review: In this Netflix documentary series, we follow the shocking case of popular French singer Bertrand Cantat, the lead singer of rock band Noir Désir, who assaulted his partner and well-known actress Marie Trintignant in 2003. The assault led to her being in a coma, and she eventually succumbed to her injuries. The documentary traces their relationship and what happened on the tragic night, along with shedding light on Cantat’s life afterwards.
-
From Rock Star to Killer Netflix Cast
Anne-Sophie Jahn, Lio, Michelle Fines
-
AKA
De rockstar à tueur: Le cas Cantat
The series has 3 episodes, each with a runtime of around 40 minutes.
From Rock Star to Killer Review
It’s not every day that I find myself infuriated while watching a documentary, but something about the nonchalant demeanour of the media coverage during actress Marie Trintignant’s death at the hands of Bertrand Cantat in 2003 left me reeling. The documentary miniseries keeps its tone professional and doesn’t undermine the gross misdelivery of justice, but the mere fact that some people in society were more concerned about Noir Désir’s return rather than a woman dying in the hospital due to the lead singer’s shameful and dangerous fit of rage says a lot of society. Unfortunately, I can’t say that things have changed from then till now.
We listen to a bunch of people close to the situation and to Trintignant weigh in on the situation from their perspectives. Most are heartbroken over the tragedy, losing someone in such a violent and unfair way is understandably never acceptable. As we learn of the fact, it becomes infuriatingly apparent that the situation has not changed in the 20+ years that have passed. We are still easy on perpetrators of domestic violence, and a simple shed tear is enough to get more empathy.
The media, apparently one of the three pillars of society, will leave you feeling befuddled in this case. It becomes clear early on their role in underplaying this horrible tragedy, one that could’ve been easily stopped. The fact that French newspapers were more interested in painting an empathetic picture of Cantat is nothing short of disgusting, even though he has confessed to his crime. A man murders a woman by repeatedly hitting her over the head and putting her in a coma, but sure, his confession is poignant. How? I honestly wouldn’t be able to tell you.
The fact that this was a huge public figure at the time adds fuel to the fire in my book. Public figures have more responsibility for upholding the law and, if nothing else, having some shame. Unfortunately, that’s not the world we live in, and the way Cantat was treated for murdering a person was a gross — it’s clear the ball was heavily dropped. I think viewers will find their blood boiling by the second episode as they will be able to relate to present situations where the past has repeated itself. I mean, let’s not forget that his first wife committed suicide as well. It’s just such an infuriating mess.
Final Thoughts
From Rock Star to Killer is an infuriating watch that will leave you reeling. There are few shows that bring forth such a tragic case with such clarity and directness, but this French docuseries shines light on an important topic and how society should put the blame where it belongs. Shifting it just gives birth to more violence.
Also Read: Holland Review: A Disappointment of Epic Proportions
I watched this documentary and couldn’t get it out of my mind. An obviously dangerous, possessive, domineering and out of control male viciously beats a woman about the head and body and waits 7 hours before calling for help basically gets away with it! The media and his fans totally support his version and he’s out of prison in 4 years. Then his wife hangs herself and is found by her son. The story is abominable and the documentary is brilliant. The man is still performing and living another woman now. Unbelievable… Watch it!