Review of Chéri (2009) by Rebecca J — 16 Nov 2009

Well I confess I'm biased considering I adore Michelle Pfeiffer and there's nothing I love more than a good period drama! But Cheri is seemingly a refreshingly perfect combination of all the best things cinema could have to offer, at least as far as I'm concerned.

Initially I was dubious about the narration, made it sound rather playful and comic, however in retrospect I realize Mr Frears has used it as an underscore to the otherwise bleak and complex narrative. Like all the characters in the story, the film itself is forced to perform an act, a mask as to what's underneath.

Alexandre Desplat once again provides a score which refuses to let go of you from start to end and what with it being a period drama it was always going to look beautiful...As for Ms Pfeiffer, she was remarkable, as always an absolute joy to watch. The fact she wanted to play such a woman and allow Frears to expose her age, so harshly at times, is proof Michelle Pfeiffer is one of the most exceptional actresses Hollywood will ever have had the pleasure to work with, don't worry for her age she's still the most beautiful woman in the world!

Now for Mr Friend, whom I have only seen in one thing previously, I recall he plays the silent guy in Outlaw. Turns out Rupert Friend was born to play Cheri, born for those outfits and quite possibly born for the silver screen. I pray he continues along the very same lines as these and I applaud him for being unafraid to play an unlikeable person. I feel perhaps former reviews make too much of his selfish and unsympathetic character and have failed to appreciate that is just the way the man is supposed to be!

The supporting cast are superb, headed by the wonderful Ms Kathy Bates, who had the most amazing laugh! Stephen Frears has done very well with his direction, touching on the beauty of Dangerous Liaisons and the sophisticated modernity of The Queen, hence the fact its advertised with those two films splashed all over the posters. If it has one flaw it is that it is much too short, more could be made of everything, perhaps its the addictive stare of Rupert Friend or the breathtaking awesomeness of everything Michelle Pfeiffer that leaves you wishing for more!

Truth is Cheri is totally my kind of movie and I adore it!