The Devil, Probably (1977)

The film begins with two contradictory newspaper headlines announcing the death of Charles. This sets the tone for the story, indicating that his life and choices will be examined in depth.

The audience is introduced to Charles, a disillusioned student living in Paris. He grapples with feelings of alienation and detachment from society, establishing a deep sense of inner turmoil.

Charles's interactions with his girlfriend, Alberte, and his friends highlight his inability to connect with others. They are depicted as unable to comprehend the depth of his struggles, amplifying his feelings of isolation.

Charles seeks solace in left-wing politics and religion but finds them inadequate for his needs. This search for meaning further deepens his discontent and sense of purposelessness.

His sexual experiences, including those with Alberte and other acquaintances, leave him feeling empty. This further emphasizes his emotional disconnect and inability to form genuine intimacy.

Charles undergoes psychoanalysis in hopes of repairing his nihilistic outlook on life. However, this process only intensifies his feelings of despair, leaving him feeling even more lost.

As the film progresses, Charles begins to observe the world around him with a growing sense of horror and unease. He becomes increasingly critical of societal values and norms, deepening his disconnection.

During a pivotal conversation on a bus, a passenger questions the state of humanity, asking who truly leads society. This moment symbolizes Charles's inner anguish and reflects his despair over the human condition.

Charles’s thoughts become increasingly fixated on suicide as a means of escape from his anguish. He contemplates various ways to end his suffering, further illustrating his tragic mindset.

In a final act of desperation, Charles makes an arrangement with his drug-addicted friend, Valentin, to end his life using a handgun. This marks a critical point in his unraveling and commitment to his bleak choice.