Review of The Affair of the Necklace (2001) by Filipeneto — 23 Aug 2018

What struck me most in this film was the excellent baroque wardrobe and the sets, much in line with Versailles environment. The film portrays a true story of betrayal, intrigue and drama, but it lacks a well explored and solid script. If the writer had spent more time building characters and transforming this true story in an engaging and convincing plot, Jeanne de Valois's drama would have been much more addictive. Instead, this story does not seem to move us or charm us. I feel the director was so dazzled by the court dresses, wigs and goldsmiths that he forgot to really demand more from his staff.

Hillary Swank does everything she can to save the movie and her character, and I was assured that her talent helped a lot to improve the film. Equally good was the work of Jonathan Pryce in the role of a libidinous and corrupt cardinal. Joely Richardson is very beautiful and has made a Marie Antoinette satisfactory, but does not have much time or space to shine. More striking was Christopher Walken, in the character of a con man, or Simon Baker, who gave life to Rétaux de Vilette, a courtier. Unfortunately, without an engaging plot, these efforts were not enough to take from me the impression that this film is essentially "fireworks" (very beautiful, but also very void).