Madame Bovary
1991 Drama / Romance
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Credits
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Summary
In 19th century France, the daughter of a country squire, Emma, marries a country doctor,
Charles Bovary. All to soon, Emma grows bored with her husband and looks elsewhere
for romance - first with a landowner, Rodolphe Boulanger, then with a law student, Léon
Dupuis. Her extravagant tastes lead Emma to run up a huge debt. Determined
to keep her folly from her husband, who still dotes on her, Madame Bovary turns to her
former lovers for help...
Review
At two and a half hours in length, this film is a detailed and faithful adaptation of
Flaubert’s masterpiece of the same title. It captures the intimacy of that great
work as well as enacting the grand set pieces, such as the country ball. However,
for all that, this film has a very cold, clinical feel to it throughout, and the profound
sense of tragedy in Flaubert’s story isn’t really achieved. Consequently, the film
feels slow and heavy, and the ending shocks because it is filmed so graphically, not because
a young woman is driven to desperation. This is a film that clearly underscores
the strengths and weaknesses of its director, Claude Chabrol, better known for his thrillers.
On a more positive note, Isabelle Huppert assumes the mantle of the great literary character of Madame Bovary with her customary skill and attention to detail. For an actress better known for playing strong female characters, it is interesting to see her take on such a demanding role, that of a character who is marked by a tragic vulnerability, and tormented by an uncontrollable caprice. She copes admirably and this is undoubtedly one of her most convincing film performances. © James Travers 2001
For more on Claude Chabrol see:
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