
The Duchess of Langeais
2007, Drama/History, 2h 17m
66 Reviews 500+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
At times plodding and dialogue heavy, The Duchess of Langeais is nevertheless an intriguing and rewarding dissection of class and gender relations. Read critic reviews
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Cast & Crew
Antoinette de Langeais
Armand de Montriveau
Princesse de Blamont-Chauvry
Vidame de Pamiers
Le Duc de Grandlieu
Clara de Sérizy
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Critic Reviews for The Duchess of Langeais
All Critics (66) | Top Critics (35) | Fresh (46) | Rotten (20)
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November 17, 2011 | Rating: 5/5 -
It's charged with nuance yet ultimately an exercise in compressed literary adaptation.
December 17, 2008 | Full Review… -
Maybe even Rivette himself is a little too delicate for this ferocious, intensely focused pair. But he's fascinated by them, and ultimately, he loves them.
October 18, 2008 -
Stands with some of the best efforts of Rivette's long career.
June 20, 2008 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review… -
The everyday moviegoer will find it as impenetrable as its heroine. But if you vibrate to nuances of style, if you enjoy tension gathering strength beneath terrible restraint, if you admire great acting, then you will.
June 20, 2008 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review… -
The director guides the viewer through a sly consideration of near-sociopathic not-quite-lovers, one of whom finds refuge in religion, the other in romantic obsession.
June 19, 2008 | Rating: 3/4
Audience Reviews for The Duchess of Langeais
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Jan 03, 2010Unfortunately this is the end for Guillaume Depardieu and it isn't as polished as other period pieces that I am more taken with.John B Super Reviewer
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Feb 10, 2009<b><i>Guillaume Depardieu Like Father like Son, we use to say.</i> <b><u>Ne Touchez Pas La Hache</u> : Don`t touch the Axe. I LOVE FRENCH! I would love to translate the Quotes, though they dont sound tasty like in French. WOT iz wif the review? The rating speaks for itself!Lilo C Super Reviewer
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Mar 09, 2008[font=Century Gothic]In "The Duchess of Langeais," it is 1823 and Marquis de Montriveau(Guillaume Depardieu) finally locates Antoinette(Jeanne Balibar), the former Duchess of Langeais, in a convent in Cadiz. Five years previously, they meet at a salon given by Clara de Serizy(Anne Cantineau). At the time, he is a military hero who had been held captive in Africa for two years. And it may be for that reason that she is intrigued by him, even though he is something of a dullard. After their first evening together, she hands him an open invitation to return anytime. At which point, he is convinced that she will become his mistress.(There is a Duke of Langeais but he is never seen.)[/font] [font=Century Gothic][/font] [font=Century Gothic]"The Duchess of Langeais," a relatively brief film from Jacques Rivette, is a pointed look at the aristocracy, in its ascendancy following the fall of Napoleon. With little to do during the day, all they are left with to fill their time are social engagements and balls. And it may be for this very reason that Langeais leads along Montriveau. Remember, a duchess trumps a marquis and rank is everything. For the marquis, an imperialist officer, conquest is everything.[/font] [font=Century Gothic][/font] [font=Century Gothic]But the human element is missing. And I think that is definitely due to the performances which are key in any predominantly two person drama.(Remember "Gabrielle" and "Miss Julie"(1999) for instance.) Depardieu is satisfactory enough but Balibar is definitely lacking. Old pros like Michel Piccoli and Bulle Ogier show the youngsters how it is done.[/font]Walter M Super Reviewer
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