Review of Cousin Bette (1998) by Kirk E — 16 Apr 2010

I might have given it 4 or even 5 stars in 1971, but today, the production is terribly dated; very stagy and much too long. The performances, which might have been astounding on the stage, are hollow and unconvincing on film.

Today, we expect film to be more intimate, more realistic, and to draw us into the world of the story. I never once forgot that I was watching a theatrical performance. The theme and characters are also dated and feel alien.

I know intellectually that there was a time when the poor female relation might have been so bitter at having been cheated by life, but emotionally, I am unsympathetic. Get a job. Make a life for yourself.

Again, I know that women did not have many options in that time, but this production does not elicit any sympathy for Cousin Bette.