Susan Granger's review of "THE AFFAIR OF THE NECKLACE" (Warner Bros.)
Based on a true scandal in 18th century France, Jeanne de la Motte-Valois (Hilary Swank) is an orphaned aristocrat left penniless by the royal feuding that preceded the French Revolution. With her title and nobility denied, she enters a marriage-of-convenience, insinuating herself into the Court of King Louis XVI in a passionate quest to restore her birthright. To that end, she befriends Retaux de Vilette (Simon Baker), a shallow courtier/gigolo who introduces her to the political intrigue inherent in Court life and instructs her in the subtle art of manipulation, telling her, "The way to get what you desire is to know what everyone else desires." Those on her list for deception, treachery and betrayal include the debauched yet powerful Cardinal Louis De Rohan (Jonathan Pryce), his mystical advisor/alchemist Count Cagliostro (Christopher Walken) and capricious Queen Marie Antoinette (Joely Richardson). Pivotal to her devious plan is a dazzling 2,800-carat diamond necklace, composed of 647 stones, originally designed as a gift from King Louis XV for his mistress, Madame Du Barry. Written by John Sweet and directed by Charles Shyer, the narrative flow is hampered by repetitive, distracting flashbacks and voice-overs. Played with remarkably little depth by Hilary Swank ("Boys Don't Cry"), Jeanne de la Motte-Valois emerges as a cunning opportunist, as ambitious and despicable as the rest, and with her contemporary demeanor Ms. Swank is surprisingly unconvincing in this sudsy soap-opera. Credit must be given to the decorative production values which are admirable, as is the score. On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, "The Affair of the Necklace" is a lavish, sumptuous but superficial 5. Better to read Antonia Fraser's revealing, new "Marie Antoinette" biography.