You have indeed done it justice. I always would see "Idol" on the shelf at the Robbins and i finally got around to picking it up last year sometime. i definitely want a 2nd and 3rd viewing - its that kind of film. Out of Reeds considered masterpieces ...Fallen Idol is my favorite. Was there a scene where Phile runs out of the house and across the street into a park? i wonder if i am imagining this. if there was such a scene i seem to remember it conjuring up feelings of relief in me. another reason to see the film again...
In a way Fallen Idol reminds me of the films of Max Ophuls also - all those images of stairs, windows, views through the banisters, and a certain sense of the ornate ...not to mention the camera movements. Have you seen any of Ophuls films? I highly recommend his films. thanks for the great description!