She begins recounting how she took on René’s case: Immediately after the death of her son, Pascal, Solange receives a call from her colleague Mathieu.

Solange agrees, and at her son’s funeral she is introduced to Georges Didier (Michel Piccoli); the eccentric head of the Franco-Belgian Psychoanalytic Society.

Georges’ behavior is immediately apparent as unusual, he is quick to anger and relies on a notebook to remember other people’s names.

As a young child René exhibits violent and unusual behavior: he destroys several pieces of China and develops a fascination with knives.

While this occurs, Jeanne is introduced to Christian Corrail ( Andrzej Seweryn), a fellow psychoanalyst and Georges’ personal nemesis.

Back in present time, Solange leaves the estate and tells Mathieu her theory: Jeanne trained René to kill her, and therefore committed suicide.

Solange begins to suspect Georges and her suspicions are confirmed when she is invited to witness a tableau vivant style ceremony orchestrated by the Franco-Belgian Psychoanalytic Society.

Ruiz was inspired by the story of psychoanalyst Hermine Hug-Hellmuth, who is best known for her work with children and her murder at the hands of her own nephew, whom she treated as well.

Furthermore, Ruiz had developed an interest in multiple personality disorder after agreeing to work with Barbet Schroeder on the film that would become Three Lives and Only One Death.

Also of note, Nobel Prize for Literature recipient Patrick Modiano makes a minor appearance as a quirky waiter.

[8] Stephen Holden of the New York Times referred to Genealogies of a Crime as a "delightful metaphysical comedy" and enjoyed the distance created by the cast's "cool and assured" performances.