Madame Bovary Review
RYAN: This seems to be the umpteenth adaptation of this classic novel by French writer Gustave Flaubert from 1856. I’ve never read the book, nor have I seen any of the previous films on the big or small screen. So for my first exposure to this story, I really enjoyed it. I wish I could compare it to the book or another version but alas, I cannot.
CAROLINE: It really is a classic that has stood the test of time. Even if you’ve never read it, you’re familiar with the title. How was this film?
RYAN: It’s good. It’s a bit deliberate and chill at times, but it actually makes sense for the story. Since it takes place at a time before electricity, it plays into the boredom they felt back then. The film is not boring, but you appreciate how bored these characters were who felt stuck in their lives with nothing to do but read, play piano, or go for a walk. Can you imagine? Maybe nice for a week, but after that… shoot me!
CAROLINE: (laughs) Yes, well, therein lies the impetus for the main action of this story, right?
RYAN: Yes – Madame Bovary acts out from her dusty life, a bleak existence, and then mayhem ensues. And the most interesting thing I gathered from the film was that regardless of the age, or era, relationship drama remains the same. Love, and the trials of the heart cross all generations. That’s what must make this story so relevant even today.
CAROLINE: Love and the crumbling of it is certainly universal. How are the performances?
RYAN: Mia Wasikowska is great and she’s looking a bit more mature which is cool. She really rides this wave of emotions that slowly boils over. It’s a strong performance. She’s the star of the film but there are some noteworthy supporting actors as well, including Paul Giamatti, Ezra Miller, Rhys Ifans and Logan Marshall-Green.
CAROLINE: Not bad.
RYAN: It’s also pretty beautiful to look at. The set decoration, costumes, hair, cinematography – all work so well together and capture the period. Plus the score is a nice classic that just blends so nicely. And all of the candlelight is cool. We take electricity for granted!
CAROLINE: And then some.
RYAN: And again, no matter how technology or the world has evolved – love and relationships remain the same. Human nature is quite powerful.
CAROLINE: Sounds like you’d recommend this?
RYAN: Yes. It’s a quite period drama with some brilliant, dramatic bursts that pull it all together and make it very worthwhile. It raises some important moral questions about what we owe to others and how we interact as a society and then, of course, how you react to the results of your own actions. I rented it on iTunes and it’s a great way to see it.
