Queen Margot (La Reine Margot)
by Patrice Ch?reau
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Daniel Auteuil, Isabelle Adjani, Jean-Hugues Anglade, Vincent Perez, Virna LisiDirector: Patrice Ch?reau
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Subtitled); French (Original Language); Italian (Original Language)
Format: Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.85:1
Running Time: 144 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2003-07-01
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Studio: Miramax
Movie Reviews of Queen Margot (La Reine Margot)
Movie Review: Patrice Ch?reau's masterpiece
Summary: 4 Stars
To begin with, the transfer used for the region 1/US version of the DVD is inadequate when compared to many other StudioCanal and Miramax productions on disc. It is NOT anamorphic and overall the "letterboxed" picture looked terrible blown-up on a 50" Panasonic plasma display. It's a good thing the story is so engrossing and the cinematography is so rapturous or else I would have felt like turning it off and waiting for a better release. Also, this is sadly a truncated and re-edited version of the original French theatrical release; this probably wont effect most people since there's enough sex and violence in this version of the film to satisfy even the most unenthusiastic viewer of subtitled movies. The sound however was quite good and I was jarred a few times by the intensity of the score pounding through my speakers. I only detracted one star for the quality of the picture and conditions surrounding the edit; the film itself is easily 5 stars.
Now on to the good stuff. (SPOILERS AHEAD!) This really is quite a stunning piece of film making. It is based on the Dumas novel which is in turn based mostly on historical fact. If you have an interest in French history (or movies about court intrigue) I strongly suggest you check this film out and read up on the actual events before or after so you are clear on which creative liberties were taken with the material. The acting is uniformly superb: Jean-Hugues Anglade's King Charles IX is so tragic and pathetic that it's hard to not feel sympathy for his manipulated (and manipulating) character; Daniel Auteuil shines again (as usual) as Henri de Navarre, the eventual "Henry the Great"; Virna Lisi is perfectly cast as the epitome of evil schemers, Catherine de M?dicis (looking like one of Frank Herbert's Bene Gesserits incarnate); Pascal Greggory as Anjou, one of Catherine's incestuous sons, can reveal more hate and contempt with a single look than most actors can with a whole monologue; Vincent Perez and Claudio Amendola are perfect as sworn enemies turned brothers-in-arms; the radiant Isabelle Adjani (as the titular character, Marguerite de Valois) is the sun in which all of these characters revolve. There are many other performances of note (especially the actor who plays the small part of the executioner who nurses La M?le and Coconnas back to health only to have to do his job and execute them later) and of course the Pi?ce de r?sistance of the whole film is the actual events leading up to and including the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre. I highly recommend this film to anyone with an interest in historical/literary films and until a restored, definitive version of the film comes along this one is well worth the twelve to fifteen bucks.
Though it's hinted at in the end, it has been written that Margot "embalmed la M?le's head and kept it in a jewelled casket" to (as she says in the movie) "preserve his beauty"...
Summary of Queen Margot (La Reine Margot)
Based on a novel by Alexandre Dumas, Queen Margot concerns the events behind infamous Massacre of St. Bartholomew in 16th-century France. Isabelle Adjani plays Margot, betrothed for political reasons to one man (Daniel Auteuil) by her mother (Virna Lisi), while she is, in fact, in love with another (Vincent P?rez). Despite the bond that grows between the reluctant couple, plots are hatching all over the castle against the royals. Adventurous, exciting, erotic, and given strong artistic credibility through its outstanding cast, the film is enthralling and visually sumptuous. Directed by Patrice Chereau, less known outside of France than is the film's producer, Claude Berri (director of Jean de Florette and Manon of the Spring). --Tom KeoghA classic tale of intrigue and forbidden love, QUEEN MARGOT is the powerful hit universally acclaimed by critics! Thrown into a political marriage of convenience by her ruthlessly power-hungry family, the beautiful Margot (Isabelle Adjani -- DIABOLIQUE) soon finds herself hopelessly drawn into their murderous affairs. It's then she realizes that her only hope of escape lies somewhere between the heroic soldier who loves her and the enemy husband who could save her! Triumphant winner of 5 Cesar Awards the pretigious Cannes Film Festival Jury Prize -- you're sure to be entertained by this vivid portrayal of passion, revenge, and extraordinary courage!
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