Thursday 25 October 2007 at 5.41pm — Anonymous says:
According to the BFI person who introduced the film and the leading actress on the stage before the film, this is a masterpiece. I’m not sure about that, although the verbal and emotional “battles” between the two characters were very well conveyed. Both actors were very good.
Considering that very little actually happens during the film, it kept me interested throughout.
Monday 29 October 2007 at 12.42pm — Caroline says:
A chamber work which nevertheless resonates on a grand scale. A faithful interpretation of Balzac that does not fall into the pit of lazy literary adaptation. Although a period piece, no resources have been wasted on setting the scene, with all that misguided, zealous attention to exact facsimile wall paper which bloats out most brit (or Hollywood) historicals. Instead, Rivette has used all his honed cinematic rigour to concentrate on the relationship between the Duchess and the General, engaged in an erotic fencing match with cruel consequences. His actors have responded with performances of intelligence and intensity, particularly Jeanne Balibar as the society darling, Antoinette, who believes that she can play with Depardieu's gruff de Montriveau and bring him to heel.
According to the BFI person who introduced the film and the leading actress on the stage before the film, this is a masterpiece. I’m not sure about that, although the verbal and emotional “battles” between the two characters were very well conveyed. Both actors were very good.
Considering that very little actually happens during the film, it kept me interested throughout.
A chamber work which nevertheless resonates on a grand scale. A faithful interpretation of Balzac that does not fall into the pit of lazy literary adaptation. Although a period piece, no resources have been wasted on setting the scene, with all that misguided, zealous attention to exact facsimile wall paper which bloats out most brit (or Hollywood) historicals. Instead, Rivette has used all his honed cinematic rigour to concentrate on the relationship between the Duchess and the General, engaged in an erotic fencing match with cruel consequences. His actors have responded with performances of intelligence and intensity, particularly Jeanne Balibar as the society darling, Antoinette, who believes that she can play with Depardieu's gruff de Montriveau and bring him to heel.