LE DIVORCE
Directed by: James Ivory.
Produced by: Ismail Merchant & Michael Schiffer.
Written by: Ruth Prawer Jhabvala & Ivory, based on the novel by Diane Johnson.
Director of Photography: Pierre Lhomme.
Edited by: John David Allen.
Music by: Richard Robbins.
Released by: Fox Searchlight.
Country of Origin: USA/France. 117 min. Rated: PG-13.
With: Kate Hudson, Naomi Watts, Thierry Thermitte & Leslie Caron.

Director Ivory has expertly blended together an international cast with the timeless themes of sex, adultery, and all things proper (according to the French, that is) to create a modern day tale that is delightfully witty, yet frankly mature. When free-spirited Californian Isabel Walker (Hudson) visits her pregnant sister, Roxy (Watts), in Paris she is shocked to learn that Roxy’s cad of a husband, Charles-Henri de Persand, has walked out on his family, saying only “I’ll call you,” as he headed out the door. Soon, Charles-Henri is filing for divorce; Roxy is reluctant to continue her pregnancy; the de Persand family are vying with the Walkers over the custody of a painting that may be worth millions; and Isabel, whose visit turns into an extended stay, becomes so entwined with two lovers-one of whom is Charles--Henri’s married uncle (Lhermitte)--that she fails to see her sister is falling apart. All of this and we learn that it is improper to speak about money, but husbands’ infidelities can be tolerated; an Hermes bag is not suitable for every occasion; and in any culture, love can have dire consequences. Rounding out the cast of this engaging adaptation are screen vets Matthew Modine, playing against type as a crazed, jealous husband; Bebe Neuwirth; Stockard Channing; Sam Waterston and Glenn Close (wearing an unsightly gray wig). A departure from the current crop of films, Le Divorce is the serious girl’s romantic comedy--a smart and sexy treat. Tanya Chesterfield, Book Reviewer (Barnes & Noble.com)
August 8, 2003