Product: 8 Women (2002)
Rating: 3.0
The "Women" Steal The Show!
I think I got more of a kick out of this movie than most people probably will. Those of us who are familiar with these international leading ladies will enjoy seeing all of these women in one movie. We have the ageless beauty Catherine Deneuve (Belle de Jour) Fanny Ardant (Truffaut's former wife and star of such films as "Confidentially Yours"), Isabelle Huppert ("Merci Pour le Chocolat" & "The Story of Women"), Emmanuelle Beart (Mrs. Roman Polanski "Bitter Moon") and newcomer (well to me anyway) Ludivinie Sagnier ("Swimming Pool" director Ozon lastest film).There are a few different ways to digest this movie. Some people may think it's a fun silly piece of film-making that is enjoyable to watch and maybe even a bit campy. Others still may find it to be capmy yes, but a bit of too much "fluff". Something too unimportant to be taken "seriously". And finally others will just look upon at as pure trash. As I started watching this movie and saw Catherine Deneuve dancing to a 50's rock beat I started thinking dear G-D what have I done! There just seemed to be something unnatural about it. I can't explain it but, it didn't seem right. After a while as the movie went on I really came to enjoy it. And had a pleasant time watching it. Sure some film-buffs might say Ozon has made better films such as "Under the Sand" or "Swimming Pool" but "8 Women" can be looked upon as a lark. A silly fun excuse for all of these talented ladies to join together.A lot of people are calling this movie Agatha Christie:The Musical! And I guess you could think of this as "Murder On The Orient Express" the French version with song and dance. And to my surprise I actually liked hearing some of the songs.The movie starts off with the death of Marcel (Dominique Lamure. the only male in the cast). He was the husband of Gaby (Deneuve) and father to Suzon (Viriginie Ledoyen) and Catherine (Sagnier). But who could of killed him? There are plenty of suspects since 5 other people were known to have been in the house at the time of the murder. And everyone had a motive. There's Gaby's mother Mamy (Danielle Darrieux) her sister Augustine (Huppert, in a completely different kind of role we've come to expect her in). There's the sexy young maid Louise (Emmanuelle Beart). Marcel sister Pierrette (Ardant) and another housekeeper Chanel (Firmine Richard)."8 Women" does play around with the usual conventions of a mystery film. But don't think the bursting into songs takes away from the plot. The songs never seem "out of place". As you might expect they merely express the character's feelings at certain moments but, only when appropriate.The movie has a wonderful look. That was the first thing that caught my eye. It's filmmed in such bright colors. I also liked the cinematography and the costume designs and the sets and the production designs. There is a lot of eye candy here for those who appreciate it."8 Women" is fun and silly and campy but, if your willing to go along with you'll have a good time. It may not be remember in years to come as one of Ozon best but, who cares! For now we'll take it. *** 1\2 out of *****Bottom-line: Entertaining French musical (I never though I'd think that). Done with a lot of style. Good songs, fun performances by this all-star cast. Not a masterpice, but it doesn't need to be. It's having too much of a good time to care.