Cousin Bette
Jessica Lang is a scorned woman who seeks sweet revenge by manipulating a sexual temptress names Jenny (Elisabeth Shue) into doing her dirty work. With little persuasion, Jenny is soon sleeping with, then discarding every man in Paris, setting off a chain of disastrous events that ensnares almost everyone in its web--everyone, that is, except Cousin Bette. Who knew adultery, financial ruin, life-threatening duels and murder could be such fun?
Member Reviews
5 Stars - A Lavish Fun Period Piece ! - FairPlayer
If one reads literature, which some reviewers obviously don't, one would find this film to be a an accurate adaptation of Balzac's theatrical story, La Cousine Bette, which is intended to be mildly amusing, mischievous, nothing more.
Balzac's style in this novel was light, tongue-in-cheek satire, reflecting the period's wicked fun with seduction games in aristocratic circles, in the tradition of Choderlos de Laclos's classic "Les Liaisons Dangereuses." His tale is more entertaining for its rich characters and their adventurous scheming than the inherent humour.
The choice casting, clever screenplay, suberb acting, plush settings, magnificent locations, sumptuous costumes, deluxe decor, crafty editing and masterful direction, not only deserve accolades but amount to an epic production.
Needless to say, this grand scale of cinematographic work, like most solid period pieces, demands pedantic attention to detail, enormous research, academic knowledge, all coordinated with a skilled production team.
A 5-star delight for lovers of period pieces based on literature classics!Mildy Amusing For Those That Enjoy a Costume Drama - Gregg
Costume drama/comedy set in mid 19th century Paris, tells the story of an unhappy woman (Jessica Lange) caught up in the manipulations and deceptions of her society family following the death of her wealthy and prominent sister. When she finally thinks she has found love and happiness it is once again taken from her and she decides to exact a measure of revenge on her aristocratic but financially strapped family.
The performances are very much over the top but they seem appropriate here, it is probably partially the result of using a theatrically trained director. The cast also includes Bob Hoskins, Elizabeth Shue and Hugh Laurie. There are lots of good sets and costumes. Partially filmed in and around Bordeaux.
This is a fairly enjoyable film and worth seeing if you have a taste for period pieces, but otherwise forgettable.
The film is based on the novel by Honore de Balzac.
Member Reviews
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5 Stars - A Lavish Fun Period Piece ! - FairPlayer
If one reads literature, which some reviewers obviously don't, one would find this film to be a an accurate adaptation of Balzac's theatrical story, La Cousine Bette, which is intended to be mildly amusing, mischievous, nothing more.
Balzac's style ...Mildy Amusing For Those That Enjoy a Costume Drama - Gregg
Costume drama/comedy set in mid 19th century Paris, tells the story of an unhappy woman (Jessica Lange) caught up in the manipulations and deceptions of her society family following the death of her wealthy and prominent sister. When she finally thinks she ...