Category Archives: Isabelle Huppert
The Sea Wall (2008)
A few years ago, the French film The Lover, based on the book by Marguarite Duras, made the cinema circuit. I loathed the film for its excessive romanticism. Yes I know millions loved it, but I didn’t. So when I saw … Continue reading
Filed under Cambodia, France, Isabelle Huppert, Political/social films
Coup de Torchon (1981)
“I’ve got no choice. First, I’m underpaid; second, my wife takes all my money;and third, fining you is practically a civic duty.” In the French film Coup de Torchon (Clean Slate), Jim Thompson’s noir novel Pop. 1280 is transposed from … Continue reading
Filed under France, Isabelle Huppert
Gabrielle (2005)
“What does it mean to know someone?” Gabrielle, a film from director Patrice Chereau is a showcase for the talents of the marvelous actress Isabelle Huppert. Set in the early 20th century, the film begins very strongly with Jean Hervey … Continue reading
Filed under France, Isabelle Huppert
Elective Affinities (1996)
“This tragedy comes as deliverance.” Elective Affinities is set in 19th Century Italy. Widow Carlotta (Isabelle Huppert) and Edouard (Jean-Hugues Anglade) meet again after a twenty-year separation. Their interrupted love affair immediately resumes, and they marry quickly. The blissful couple … Continue reading
Filed under Isabelle Huppert, Italian, Period Piece
Merci Pour le Chocolat (2000)
“In this house, I serve the chocolate.” In Merci Pour Le Chocolat Mika Muller (Isabelle Huppert), the owner of a chocolate factory remarries Andre Polonski (Jacques Dutronc), a famous pianist. Their youthful first marriage ended in divorce, and Andre subsequently … Continue reading
Filed under Claude Chabrol, France, Isabelle Huppert
The School of Flesh (1998)
“Love hasn’t made you human.” Isabelle Huppert seems to specialize in difficult roles, and The School of Flesh is yet another example of her superb and matchless talent. She seems to select and portray characters who are self-possessed and confident, … Continue reading
Filed under France, Isabelle Huppert
The Lacemaker (1977)
The role of responsibility in love. In the French film The Lacemaker, Isabelle Huppert plays the role of Pomme–an innocent 18-year-old Parisienne hairdresser. After Pomme’s adventurous work mate, Marylene is dumped by her married lover, Pomme and Marylene go on … Continue reading
Filed under France, Isabelle Huppert
Private Property (2006)
“You can afford lingerie, but when your kids need money, you’re out.” The Belgium film, Private Property, is a tale of a destroyed, dysfunctional family. Apart from the fact that there’s a divorce in the background, we don’t really know … Continue reading
Filed under Belgium, Isabelle Huppert
Cesar and Rosalie (1972)
“I can’t fight imagination.” Cesar (Yves Montand) seems like an affable, gregarious tycoon–the life and soul of every party. He excels at entertaining a room full of people. His long-term girlfriend, divorcee, Rosalie (Romy Schneider) works for him, but maintains … Continue reading
Filed under Claude Sautet, France, Isabelle Huppert
La Vie Promesse (2002)
“I want to be normal.” La Vie Promise is a showcase for the considerable talents of veteran French actress, Isabelle Huppert. Huppert plays prostitute Sylvia who lives and works in Nice. One day, her epileptic 15-year-old daughter, Laurence (Maud Forget) … Continue reading
Filed under France, Isabelle Huppert
