This was a big dramatic production. Not like the French New Wave films. I don't know the history behind the film, but I'm suprised to see Chabrol directing it. Yet, it was still really good. It had the feeling of a nineteenth century painting. Every shot was tinted by darkness and shadow. It was a very well shot film.
Yet, I thought it was a little over determined. Once Madame Bovary's lover appeared I knew right away who it was. A little bit of a let down. It could have been more suprising. It did have a convulsive effect though. Her lover was handsome with dark features which was a dead give away. It did add to the build up of dramatic tension. The film suffers from too much voice over. I suppose it could have had a lack of voice over which might have made it confusing and utterly misunderstood. I think it could have worked without the voice over. It really struck me as something that was made for French television. Good, but not great.
The man who played the pharmicist was great. I like him and the roles he played. I saw him in Indochine which is also a great film which he plays a great role. The other characters play well, but nothing too memorable. Madame Bovary is played well, but could have used a little more emotion. The same for Doctor Bovary. I suppose it's part of the quality of restraint that they represent being country folk. Their emotions are restrained to the point of pain.
I liked this film. The performances were good. The techniques of the film were good. The story was compelling. I have not read the book so I can't make a comparison between the film and the book. I suspect a good job on behalf of the book was done by Chabrol. I will have to read the book.
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