Customer Reviews

The Affair of the Necklace (Widescreen)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This is one of the most historically accurate movies that I have ever seen. This movie is about the scandal that rocked the French monarchy during the late 1780's and helped set the stage for the French Revolution that overthrew the monarchy.

Hilary Swank delivers a superb performance as the scheming Jeanne de la Motte-Valois. Jonathan Pryce and Christopher Walken also shine in this well executed movie.

The Affair of the Necklace is a movie that combines greed, lust, corruption and sexuality in a most beguiling mix. This movie is the end result of a rare combination of quality acting, distinguished directing, skillful script writing, a large budget and careful attention to historical accuracy in every detail.

The Affair of the Necklace is a masterpiece.

Despite the mixed reviews, after about 20 minutes, I began to enjoy this movie. It is more than it appears at first. It truly is an affair, because people are getting tricked and maneuvered, it has intrigue that unfolded lovely, having been placed right before the French Revolution.

Hilary Swank, although not my top choice for a costume drama, does a good job of playing Jeanne de la Motte-Valois, a woman who lost her parents and her title at a young age. With the help of a court women-chaser, Baker, she uses the Cardinal's desire for Marie Antoinette, and the luxurious diamond necklace that comes into place, to get what she wants.

As lies are told, and people pretending to be someone else, the grand plot begins to resemble a tower of playing cards that can topple at any moment.

It was a wonderful movie, that felt cozy, and it was almost like a mystery drama, in beautiful lavish costumes. The ending is great, and unexpected for some characters.

Don't believe the critics of this movie. It is very, very well done and completely enjoyable! I thought Hilary Swank did an excellent job with her role. I've never been a big fan of Swank's, but I thought she really exceeded her potential in this movie.

The whole premise is quite facinating. Especially if you have read some of the non-fiction historical accounts of this time period. It is easy to get sweapt up in the plot. And, as you watch, it is interesting to consider how such seemingly insignificant happenings as these tip the scale of human history.

Certainly the main character, Jeanne Valois, could not have known how her plotting would shape the world she lived in. You find a lot of sympathy for Swank's character because of this. It is glaringly apparent to the watcher that Jeanne's desperate plot to regain her family holdings is doomed to fail - but Swank's character is blind to this. It is this blindness, this naivety that makes you sympathize with her. Jeanne actually believes she will pull off her elaborate schemes without concequence. The watcher knows better, and we pity her even as we watch her construct her own downfall.

Of course Hollywood has taken some liberties with the actual story (when do they not?), but I thought the writers did a brilliant job of meshing it all together. The dialog was very well done. The sound editing was great. The costumes and setting were sumptuous. And the acting was so very well done.

A really good movie. Certainly worthy of your time.

This movie is really good. While it may seem soap-operatic at first, it gets better and better as the movie continues. Hilary Swank really shines as the Countess striving to regain her family honor.

I've never seen a period film this good. It's probably one of the finest films I've seen in a long time. I just think this film is not for everyone, which is probably why it garnered so many bad reviews.

For all those who like stupid, mindless trash movies, please stay away. For all those who have an open mind and are willing to watch something different than what every other movie studio offers, please step right up.

Now, let us see WHEN last did we have so many magnificent bodies on screen?
There's the VERY, VERY talented Miss Hilary Swank, Joley Richardson [real blue blood]; Adrian Brody and not forgetting Simon Baker.

Oh, this is a delightful and very moving Comedy of Errors - true, based on fact - simply about Miss-communication. OH, if only they had e-mail back then. AND this one really cost poor Marie her head, and no one really won anything - just goes to show - keep ya mouth shut!

Visually? Magnificently realized Art direction and Genius Costume Design by MILENA CANONERO - Miss Canonero's featurette is priceless - great 'word-choices'!

SEE this one back-to-back with "La Nuit de Varnnes". "Quills" and "Dangerous Liasons" - it is very worthy.

Performances?

Jonathan Pryce as the infatuated Cardinal is so evil, but so pathetic [and so contemporary]; Christopher Walker - well! [This one you gotta see! and NO Mr. Walken does not do the 'usual creepy crazy']

JOLEY RICHARDSON? - Magnificent as the much-maligned Marie Antoinette, another visual treat so perfectly captured in this version. Miss Richardson needs more and more cinematic exposure - a Great Talent.

BUT Miss HILARY SWANK? Oh please - what cannot she do? This is an exceptionally talented lady - stay tuned - she's just beginning!

Where are the AWARDS due?

This one WILL stand the test of time.

She's in court after the strong murdered her father for the loud thoughts he had about poor people and now the only thing she cares about is to get a good name for her family back. The Queen should be the only person who would have helped her but how is she going to eliminate all the obstacles in order to get her to the queen.

An interesting (extremely boring for some) drama.

I had to put in my two cents on this movie because not only did I find it entertaining from start to finish but I found the music quite lovely. If I wanted to purchase anything I'd want the soundtrack as the combination of classical pieces used was enchanting, in my opinion. I think Hilary Swank is a fine actor and did a commendable job. I recommend it. =)

One not so very special saturday morning, I decided to watch this movie since it was about to start on HBO. And on this not so very special saturday morning, I was sucked into this not so very special movie.

Perhaps it was the haughty elegance of this period in time that made me watch this movie from start to finish. Maybe it was the dashing Simon Baker, or the intriging Adrien Brody. It was certainly not, I assure you, because of Hillary Swank.

Perhaps that isn't fair of me. After all, it would be a hard task to make such a controversial and not very admirable person in history someone you can be empathetic towards. For my part, I felt that Swank's character was not fiery enough to like, not pathetic enough to feel sorry for, and certainly not emotional enough to feel sad for. As for Simon Baker; one moment, a flirtatious gigalo who helps Swank through her scandalous plan. The next moment, he's a romantic hero sacrificing everything in the name of love. And Adrien Brody, an almost comical character that is vengeful and then willing to join the scandal about, oh, five seconds later. Marie Antoinette's protrail was well done, but suprisingly, not a key factor in the overall plotline. Why? As a whole the cast did a good job considering the script was dry and didn't give much for character devolpment.

The costuming was superb, the acting splendid at parts and drab at others, the truth bent and curled in hollywood's image. Overall, this is the perfect Blockbuster rental, but certainly not the perfect anything else.

This review is short and sweet,

I loved everthing, about this film,

especially Simon Baker...

Although this film was panned and ovbiously did not do well at the box office, I thought it was a beautifully crafted film. This film was visually stunning with exceptional Actors, Music Score, Photography, Directing, and especially Design. I do agree that the script could have been written better.

Over all I really like this period film. It takes place a short time prior the the fall of the french monarchy and the demise of its King and Queen. Allegedly the demise was helped by the historically noted affair of the necklace. I am unsure how much of this film is accurate but we need not concern our selves since the film is based on fact but not a documentary and as all artist seem to do including film makers alike they change things to suit there needs. The story is about Jeanne who through no fault of her own loses her family title and home at a very young age do to the politics of the monarchy. As an adult she yearns for what was taken from her and seeks out Marie Antoinett. To Jeanes disappointment she is ignored and embarks on another path of danger. She involves herself with the court gigalo and weaves a web even she cannot escape.

I can not give you all the plot lines and occurances or you won't enjoy the film. If you like beautiful costumes, period pieces you will love this film. Again it is very beautifully crafted very pleasing to the eye.