Review of Donkey Skin (1908) by Doug N — 27 Apr 2008
This is not the best of Jacques Demy's movies - but it is definitely the most warped: a fairy tale about incest, taxidermy , cake and true love. It again stars Catherine Deneuve - at her most enchanting - and again absurd romance is used to unsettling effect.
A retelling of Cinderella, but Prince Charming is a petulant brat with an overprotective mother; Cinderella is a princess who has run away to avoid marrying her father; the fairy godmother has schemes of her own (this is no altruistic fairy!); and the childrenâ??s ambiguous relationships with their parents might explain their obsession with true romance.
Once again the sumptuous costumes, non-naturalistic colour design (this time with the extras literally painted blue and red) and amazing sets give it Demyâ??s distinctive look, and there are some stylish French touches.
This review of Donkey Skin (1908) was written by Doug N on 27 Apr 2008.
Donkey Skin has generally received positive reviews.
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