The Duchess of Langeais

A recommendation goes to "The Duchess of Langeais" from LA Times reviewer Kevin Thomas who writes in his capsule recommendation:

Jacques Rivette's film of the Balzac short story is a superb chamber drama, that for all its magnificent period interiors and polished repartee is constantly fluid. Jeanne Balibar plays an exquisite duchess in 1818 Paris who playfully ensnares a marquis (Guillaume Depardieu), a military hero, unaware that her refuge in the dictates of decorum and the pieties of religion reveal her to be imprisoned by social status and convention. Unwittingly, she sets both of them on a devastating journey of self-discovery.

Synopsis The Duchess of Langeais
Antoinette is the Duchess of Langeais (Jeanne Balibar), a married coquette who frequents the most extravagant balls in 1820's Paris during The Restoration, where hypocrisy and vanity reign. Upon the handsome general, Armand de Montriveau's (Guillaume Depardieu) first meeting with her, he realized it was true love from that moment on. Flattered by his attentions, the alluring Antoinette orchestrates a calculating game of seduction, but she repeatedly refuses Montriveau. Despite his sincere romantic declarations, Montriveau's passion remains unfulfilled. When the humiliated Montriveau eventually seeks his revenge, Antoinette's love awakens. But it may well be too late for the star-crossed lovers.


Opened February 22, 2008 Runtime: 2 hr. 17 min.
Cast: Jeanne Balibar, Guillaume Depardieu, Bulle Ogier, Michel Piccoli, Barbet Schroeder
Director: Jacques Rivette
Genres: Romantic Drama, Period Film, Romance

In French, with English subtitles. Unrated. Mature themes.



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