Cousin Bette DVD
by Cezanne Huq
THE RATINGS
Movie: *** DVD: **
THE FILM
The setting for Cousin Bette, directed by Des McAnuff and scripted by Lynn Siefert and Susan Tarr (from the novel by Honoré de Balzac), is France on the eve of the Revolution of 1848. Its story involves the revenge wreaked on the distinguished Hulot family by the cousin of the recently deceased Madame Hulot, Bette (Jessica Lange), a spinster of 40, whose life has been a series of affronts and humiliations. Baron Hector Hulot (Hugh Laurie) is a womanizer who has spent the family fortune on a series of mistresses. The chances of his daughter, Hortense (Kelly MacDonald), marrying decently are rapidly dwindling. It is the final straw when Hortense falls in love with and “steals” a young sculptor, Wenceslas (Aden Young), from Bette, who has fantasized about a relationship with the artist. In alliance with the Baron’s former mistress, Jenny Cadine (Elisabeth Shue), Bette executes a plan that ruins the family financially and morally.
McAnuff’s film is fraught with sex and treachery and characters with a variety of accents that would make Koffi Annan feel out of place. The betrayals come from just about everyone, but reside mainly in the breast (and head) of Cousin Bette, who’s been treated like a doormat by Hulot and everybody else in the family. Having never experienced the big “O,” Bette goes on a rampage as she tries to muck up the lives of the greedy Hortense and her love, Wenceslas, after he spurns poor Bette.
While the film may not have the depth or allure of Balzac’s book, it does keep you wanting more. Hate to say it, but it’s a lot like an R-rated soap opera. Contrary to soap operas, however, is the fantastic musical score written by Simon Boswell that accompanies the frivolous destruction of souls. British composer Boswell has contributed scores for a number of recent films including Shallow Grave (1994), Hackers (1995) and American Perfekt (1997), and the thematic elements in his composition highlight each scene beautifully.
THE DVDOther than the now de facto standards-language options, interactive menus and a theatrical trailer-the DVD is devoid of any features. Fox needs to take some pointers from Criterion. Come on, this is a movie based on Balzac’s book! How about some historical anecdotes like feudalism, the dichotomy of a feudal economy--old money versus new money? The DVD could also benefit from a commentary by director McAnuff, explaining the intricacies of the film and the way he adapted the book.
FINAL WORD
Cousin Bette is a movie that should be on any Balzac fan’s movie rack - how many of you are out there? Stand up for yourselves now! The movie is well balanced and really portrays the elements socioeconomic conditions of the pre-revolutionary France. Keep in mind that what Cousin Bette lacks in features it makes up in historical lessons and rich performances.
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