When the plain but loving wife played by Michele Morgan is transformed by plastic surgery into a vision of loveliness her unprepossessing husband, portrayed by Bourvil, does not react as she had hoped, to put it mildly. His insecurity causes him to feel threatened which leads to antagonism and estrangement coupled with his intense hatred of the 'charlatan' surgeon. This will have devastating consequences for all concerned.
Morgan and Bourvil are convincing in their roles. We fully understand why she feels that beautifying her appearance will improve her life despite her initial hesitation and although his character is from the outset rather unsympathetic we come to feel his pain. Excellent support from Sylvie as his dragon of a mother, Gerard Oury who also has a hand in the script, as the surgeon and Ivan Desny as the man with whom she 'almost' finds happiness.
This film is especially topical now in our superficial, image-obsessed society and although this is not director Andre Cayatte in his customary crusading/axe-grinding mode he has typically posed more questions than answers. Recommended viewing for couples!
Review of The Mirror Has Two Faces
