'Journal d'une femme de chambre' (= French for 'a room maid's tale') is situated in the French countryside of around 1900. Its story centers on a room maid who is able to put herself morally above the behavior of her master + mistress. Thus making some statement of dignity and independence.
The film does not show much more than what is common knowledge about the lawless position of domestic servants back then. Being fully dependent on the whims and tastes of their masters, often leading to sexual assault in case of young women.
In fact, I think that female lead Lea Seydoux performs an impossible role, by acting a 1900-servant who is not humble and dependent -- showing her prominent personality all the way down. Given this, Seydoux does well without being brilliant.
The same goes for the rest of the film. It provides good entertainment, but does not give you anything to remember.
The film does not show much more than what is common knowledge about the lawless position of domestic servants back then. Being fully dependent on the whims and tastes of their masters, often leading to sexual assault in case of young women.
In fact, I think that female lead Lea Seydoux performs an impossible role, by acting a 1900-servant who is not humble and dependent -- showing her prominent personality all the way down. Given this, Seydoux does well without being brilliant.
The same goes for the rest of the film. It provides good entertainment, but does not give you anything to remember.