I’ve finally had a chance to watch La Princess de Montpensier, a 2010 movie based on the 1662 novel by Madame de Lafayette, set in war-ravaged 1562 France. I first heard of it after it made a big spash at Cannes years ago.
From the NY Times review (which wasn’t gushing):
There are times when the lights are low and the bodices have been gently loosened that “The Princess of Montpensier,” a rousing amalgam of ambition, moods and genre conceits, looks like one of those old-fashioned diversions in which swords clang as bosoms heave with sweet passion.
I loved this movie, in large part because I love a well-made historical flick — and one set in France in particular. Also, it’s interesting to explore the stories that captivated 17th century France, the era I’m writing about.
It’s a story of tragic passion, rather well suited to a youthful society.
Youthful, I’m not. I kept thinking: she wouldn’t be carrying on this way if she had children. I kept thinking: lady, get real!
But a beautiful movie it is. I found the soundtrack particularly enchanting: the sound of a fire burning, iron locks clanging, skirts swishing, horse hooves pounding. I liked that they sometimes showed people sharing sleeping quarters (they could have done this to a greater extent) and displayed a certain informality about nudity, which I suspect is historically likely. I liked how dank and dark the castles were and that the women did not look like they were wearing make-up.
Basically, I long to be taken back in time, and I would have liked this movie to have been a somewhat more accurate illusion. Horses galloping for hours arrive in a sweat, please. (It would be such an easy detail to recreate.) A lady would never have travelled alone. Indeed, our princess is rather too often alone — convenient, I know, for a love story, but unlikely in fact.
Also, no wigs?
Also, a woman hard galloping side-saddle for hours and hours? A functional side-saddle is said to have been introduced into France at that time, but it wasn’t used universally and it wouldn’t have been used for strenuous riding.
I also question the film-world historical “standard’ of revealing necklines. It’s not entirely inaccurate, I know:
But in truth, when not at a ball or posing for a portrait, ladies would have more likely covered themselves with a partlet: “A low neckline could be filled in with a partlet. … Apart from being fashionable, the partlet was essentially used as a undergarment to keep warm in the winter, and prevent sunburn in the summer.” [Wikipedia]
{Queen Elizabeth I, 1572, with a partlet covering her shoulders.}
The heaving bosom makes for nice eye-candy — as do breath-taking riding scenes — but for me, what I’d love to see is historical accuracy. This movie was close enough for me to long for more.
Will I watch this movie again? Likely. Do I recommend it? Yes.
If you’ve seen it, tell me what you think. What historical movies have you watched that enchanted you, took you back?
Note: Horses galloping for hours do not arrive in a sweat–they arrive dead.
There are many historical periods where ladies–even great nobles–were very décolleté indeed.
Movies I’ve loved: “Gangs of New York” “Torrents of Spring” the French “Lancelot” and “Tous les Matins” for sure.
Yes, dead indeed. That was one realistic note in the movie — a horse dropping dead from exertion.
I agree that there were many décolleté periods in history — most often in warm climates. I’m under the impression that it was unfashionable to be buxom in 17th century France. A lady of quality didn’t want to look like a wet-nurse. The corset-like attire flattened a profile.
I’ve made a note of your movie recommendations. Thank you!
I thoroughly enjoyed The Princess of Montpensier, although it’s only been available from Amazon France (without subtitles) if you need to play Region 2 DVDs, as we do here in the UK. Thought it was beautiful though I agree with you that she spent far too much time on her own for historical accuracy. I also adore “Tous les Matins du Monde”, one of my favourite ever films & what a beautiful soundtrack.
I have the soundtrack as well as the movie (Tous les Matins…) — this discussion is inspiring me to watch it again.
One of my favorites is Tout Le Matin du Monde. It was one of the inspiration for my taking up the cello as an adult. So gorgeous and melancholy! Also love Orlando (though that skips through a lot of centuries, but oh so gorgeous and romantic and moving).
Ah, Kris, I swooned over Tous les Matins du Monde — I must watch it again. I’ve never watched Orlando, but will see if I can order it. Merci!!!