Directed by Stephen Frears
Dangerous Liaisons director Stephen Frears has yet again dressed Michelle Pfeiffer in sumptuous period costumes. Pfeiffer looks radiant as French courtesan Lea who, along with her friend and rival Madam Peloux (Kathy Bates), has made quite a financial killing during her career at the turn of the 19th century. Just as she is considering retiring, Peloux encourages her to further the education of her indulged son Cheri (Rupert Friend). Lea certainly doesn’t look decades older than her godson, who is conveniently besotted with her. Lea boasts, ‘a good body last a long time’ and Pfeiffer certainly seems to be defying all the pitfalls of age – physically and in terms of her suitability to carry off roles as the sexy leading lady.
Frears recreates the leisurely pace that those with money could afford in this beautiful era before The Great War. Over six years, the mismatched lovers fulfil their every indulgence as the voyeuristic audience enjoy the excesses that were once possible. Unfortunately the two fall in love, although declarations are never made, and Peloux has plans for her son that involve procuring grandchildren. Arrangements are awfully civilised as Cheri’s marriage to Edmee (Felicity Jones), the daughter of another wealthy courtesan, goes ahead. Lea actually absents herself during this time and goes south in search of sun and another well-built young man to distract her.
Based a pair of novels by the celebrated French author Collette, the preoccupations of women of a certain age are echoed one hundred years later. The concept of ‘cougars’ holding on to their youth through younger men is certainly not a recent one. There are times when the eternally beautiful Pfeiffer actually does look her age, thanks to some severe lighting choices and comparisons with the distracting youthfulness of her companion, but this only makes her character more memorable.
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