ELLE (Rated R)

The first thing to know about “Elle” is that it is a French film (hence the translation of the title is “She”) with English subtitles from Dutch director Paul Verhoeven.

A provocative and controversial storyteller, Verhoeven is no stranger to debate about how his films reflect uncompromising fascination with moral dilemmas and the brutal depictions of sexuality and violence.

As Exhibit “A” to Verhoeven’s attraction to the combustible combination of sex and cruelty would be his work for such films as “Basic Instinct” and “Showgirls.” More mainstream work would consist of “RoboCop” and “Total Recall.”

The titular character is Isabelle Huppert’s Michelle Leblanc, the confident CEO of a Paris video game company that looks for cutting-edge games that border on sexual sadism mixed with the brutal violence that is the hallmark of the industry.

The film opens to staggeringly violent effect with the rape of Michelle at her deluxe apartment by a masked intruder who is so abusive and cruel that one suspects it is a person not unknown to the victim.

But Michelle does not allow herself to be a victim. Immediately after the assault she throws her clothes in the trash, takes a hot bath to wipe away the blood and orders takeout.

No call is made to the police station. This is a determined woman who will take matters into her own hands, a simple calculation that vigilante-style retribution is in the offing.

The suspects are plentiful and maybe too obvious. Michelle frequently casts a gaze upon the handsome neighbor Patrick (Laurent Lafitte), who we later learn could have wandering lust as his wife is sexually repressed.

A dangerous game is afoot because Michelle is carrying on an affair with Robert (Christian Berkel), who is married to Michelle’s best friend and business partner Anna (Anne Consigny).

A failed novelist is trying desperately to reignite sexual trysts with the standoffish Michele, but maybe he’s not a candidate since his name escapes me and as a result, he’s just a distraction.

Michelle’s ex-husband Richard (Charles Berling) is still on the scene, but he’s preoccupied with dating a young and somewhat dim yoga teacher.

More than anything, “Elle” is a disturbing psychological thriller, given the flashbacks to Michelle’s troubled childhood that informs her mental state.

In the end, “Elle” is fixated on a curious and thrilling, yet unnerving, game of the victim resolutely tracking down her assailant for what could spiral out of control. To say the least, “Elle” is not for everybody.

TV Corner: 'Ice' on DirecTV and AT&T U-Verse

A lot of people have the cable connections for DirecTV and the Audience Network to which I believe AT&T U-Verse is connected by virtue of common ownership.

The last time I had a chance to watch DirecTV it was a pay-for-TV option on a United Airlines red-eye flight to Chicago but the chance for some shut-eye seemed a better choice.

I accepted an invitation for a screening of the new 10-episode series of “Ice,” because the pilot of this new drama was directed Antoine Fuqua, noted for his film work in “Training Day” and the recent “The Magnificent Seven.”

After all, the idea of a Fuqua-directed program about the treacherous world of a family-owned diamond trading business in Los Angeles could have been a subplot in “Training Day.”

In any event, if you have Ray Winstone as one of the patriarchs of the Green diamond merchant family navigating the perilous universe of crime lords, there’s a good chance for the intensity this type of show demands.

The other patriarch of the Green crew is the steely-eyed Raymond J. Barry’s Isaac, father to half-brothers Freddy (Jeremy Sisto), the hotheaded troublemaker, and the level-headed Jake (Cam Gigandet).

The hair-trigger temperament of Freddy has caused the Green family endless grief from brutal criminal underground elements, particularly the gang under the vicious command of Lady Rah (Judith Shekoni), who seems to be channeling Grace Jones from a James Bond film.

The flip side of Freddy is the controlled sibling Jake, who appears most often in his designated role of the diplomatic envoy seeking to calm the troubled waters of the diamond business.

Appropriately, the disheveled Freddy is contrasted by Jake’s sleek style of tailored suits and dark sunglasses as he cruises the sun-splashed gritty streets of the Los Angeles urban metropolis in a vintage convertible.

Based on the earliest viewing of “Ice,” it would be safe to say that this new series is more about style than substance even if a valiant effort is made to infuse violent crime treachery into the mix.

If DirecTV is seeking a splash with original programming, the appeal of “Ice” could be limited for a series that traffics in clichéd underworld dialogue.

Yet, an added attraction for “Ice” would be the eventual appearance of Donald Sutherland as a ruthless South African diamond merchant. You may have to be patient for his arrival, but he would likely bring gravitas to a heavy role.

Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.