FILM-FORWARD.COMReviews of Recent Independent, Foreign, & Documentary Films in Theaters and DVD/Home Video
LE DIVORCE
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)
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