Magnificent recreation of the supra-romantic novel of 1678 set in the French royal court around 1559. Supra-romantic because the love of a man and a woman is not fulfilled in marriage, or in adultery, but in death. As has been pointed out however, the film was alien to the mood of most French cinemagoers in 1961 who, the grim years of Occupation and its aftermath long over, had lost the taste for such rich and elevated fare.
Sixty years later, surely we can appreciate its many merits? Splendid camera work on magnificent sets and locations (Chambord!!), stately score, glorious costumes, strong principals play against talented newcomers, a brilliant script with every syllable and every nuance put over. The whole production breathes solid old-world quality, deserving respect and admiration but also offering different levels of pleasure according to one's taste and discernment.
Sixty years later, surely we can appreciate its many merits? Splendid camera work on magnificent sets and locations (Chambord!!), stately score, glorious costumes, strong principals play against talented newcomers, a brilliant script with every syllable and every nuance put over. The whole production breathes solid old-world quality, deserving respect and admiration but also offering different levels of pleasure according to one's taste and discernment.