Cast
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Sophie Marceau
as Marquise
Bernard Giraudeau
as Moliere
Lambert Wilson
as Racine
Patrick Timsit
as Gros-Rene
Thierry Lhermitte
as Louis XIV
Anémone
as La Voisin
Remo Girone
as Jean-Baptiste Lully
Georges Wilson
as Floridor
Marianne Basler
as Madame
Franck de la Personne
as Monsieur
Romina Mondello
as Armande
Estelle Skornik
as Marie
Paolo Fosso
as
Beatrice Palme
as Geneviève
Christine Joly
as Madeleine Béjart
Crew
Director
- Véra Belmont
Producer
- Véra Belmont
- J. David Williams
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Marquise examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Véra Belmont brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1997, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Marquise took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 111 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 133 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 46 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 1431 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1997, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Marquise shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Four Rooms, which focuses more on action than character development, Marquise subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like How It Ends and Ma Belle, My Beauty explore similar territory, Marquise stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 20, 1997
- Runtime: 1h 51m
