Cheri (C+ or 2.5/4 stars)
The son of a retired courtesan marries a young girl after being forced to end a loving relationship with another older courtesan in 'Cheri', directed by Stephen Frears (Dangerous Liaisons, The Queen). Set in the early 1900's, the movie opens in the wonderful, opulent Belle Epoque era (where the upper classes thrived in a period where Europe was at peace); an era where elite courtesans (high-end prostitutes) held great power, command, & respect in Parisian society. One such courtesan is the beautiful, almost-retired Lea de Lonval (Michelle Pfeiffer); whose seductions with influential clients are legendary. The story kicks into gear when she becomes involved with 19 yr. old Cheri (Rupert Friend), the petulant son of retired courtesan, Madame Perloux (a boisterous Kathy Bates).
Their relationship - initially intended for her to educate him in the ways of love - turns into a 6 yr. scandalous affair that comes to a halt only when Mme. Perloux arranges for her son to marry Edmee (Felicity Jones), the 18 yr. old daughter of yet another courtesan. Divided by their sex, age, $$ & social status, Cheri & Lea discover that staying apart is much more difficult than either of them expected. Lea puts on a brave face & travels south; while Cheri feigns loving his young wife. But despite making fervent attempts to 'move on', they find themselves drawn back to each other for a bookend dalliance. And though this film is abundant with wit, zippy one-liners, & smile-inducing humor, it's actually a fairly woeful tale of lost love. Cheri is the classic 'Peter Pan' - a young man who refuses to grow up; and Lea ... the gracefully aging courtesan who knows too well that no one can stay young forever.
'Cheri' has a lot going for it. The story purports themes of love, loss, lust & jealousy. It's interesting that sexual liaisons btwn. older women & younger men seemed more accepted in the Belle Epoque era than it does today. The acting ranges from competent to fantastic. The director/writer pedigree is top notch. The cinematography is warm & appealing. The set design is over-the-moon gorgeous. The costumes scream Oscar - they're that good. And Alexandre Desplat's (one of today's finest composers) score is beautiful. Everything is sumptuous; reminding me of the great period pieces from the early 1990's (Howards End, The Age of Innocence, Remains of the Day). However, all of that can't make-up for a sub-par script, & some less-than-palpable sexual heat btwn. the 2 leads.
Speaking of the leads, one is great, one is bland (not hard to figure it out). Rupert Friend - someone I'm not sold on in his young career - isn't "bad", per say. He's just not charismatic here and, his chemistry with Pfeiffer goes in & out. I bought them in a few scenes, but that's it. And in a film where the climax rides on the fate of these 2 doomed soul mates, you need to feel the emotional attraction from both parties. Now, the strongest asset of the film, without a doubt, is Michelle Pfeiffer. Where the screenplay tends to be bland, she is anything but; touching us with her deeply-felt portrayal of Lea. Pfeiffer uses her undeniable beauty, grace, intuition, & acting talent to convey a fragile woman who tries to emulate strength (on the exterior). And I totally bought it.
If only the screenplay were as evocative & provocative as she. There's barely enough exposition to warrant a 90 minute film. And on top of that, the aforementioned lack of chemistry btwn. Lea & Cheri puts a damper on the emotional fulfillment of the movie. We have to accept their love for each other, rather than truly believing it. One final grudge: the last 2 minutes of the film (where a voice-over narration tells us the prickly fate of the 2 main characters). The credits roll. And while the abrupt ending is viscerally effective, it didn't jive with the tone of the rest of the movie. I was startled - first, by what is said - & secondly, that the credits rolled immediately afterwards. Overall, 'Cheri' is a respectable period melodrama, but lacking in entertainment quality. I recommend it, at least, to see Pfeiffer back in action. But don't go in expecting a great movie ... you won't get it.
Their relationship - initially intended for her to educate him in the ways of love - turns into a 6 yr. scandalous affair that comes to a halt only when Mme. Perloux arranges for her son to marry Edmee (Felicity Jones), the 18 yr. old daughter of yet another courtesan. Divided by their sex, age, $$ & social status, Cheri & Lea discover that staying apart is much more difficult than either of them expected. Lea puts on a brave face & travels south; while Cheri feigns loving his young wife. But despite making fervent attempts to 'move on', they find themselves drawn back to each other for a bookend dalliance. And though this film is abundant with wit, zippy one-liners, & smile-inducing humor, it's actually a fairly woeful tale of lost love. Cheri is the classic 'Peter Pan' - a young man who refuses to grow up; and Lea ... the gracefully aging courtesan who knows too well that no one can stay young forever.
'Cheri' has a lot going for it. The story purports themes of love, loss, lust & jealousy. It's interesting that sexual liaisons btwn. older women & younger men seemed more accepted in the Belle Epoque era than it does today. The acting ranges from competent to fantastic. The director/writer pedigree is top notch. The cinematography is warm & appealing. The set design is over-the-moon gorgeous. The costumes scream Oscar - they're that good. And Alexandre Desplat's (one of today's finest composers) score is beautiful. Everything is sumptuous; reminding me of the great period pieces from the early 1990's (Howards End, The Age of Innocence, Remains of the Day). However, all of that can't make-up for a sub-par script, & some less-than-palpable sexual heat btwn. the 2 leads.
Speaking of the leads, one is great, one is bland (not hard to figure it out). Rupert Friend - someone I'm not sold on in his young career - isn't "bad", per say. He's just not charismatic here and, his chemistry with Pfeiffer goes in & out. I bought them in a few scenes, but that's it. And in a film where the climax rides on the fate of these 2 doomed soul mates, you need to feel the emotional attraction from both parties. Now, the strongest asset of the film, without a doubt, is Michelle Pfeiffer. Where the screenplay tends to be bland, she is anything but; touching us with her deeply-felt portrayal of Lea. Pfeiffer uses her undeniable beauty, grace, intuition, & acting talent to convey a fragile woman who tries to emulate strength (on the exterior). And I totally bought it.
If only the screenplay were as evocative & provocative as she. There's barely enough exposition to warrant a 90 minute film. And on top of that, the aforementioned lack of chemistry btwn. Lea & Cheri puts a damper on the emotional fulfillment of the movie. We have to accept their love for each other, rather than truly believing it. One final grudge: the last 2 minutes of the film (where a voice-over narration tells us the prickly fate of the 2 main characters). The credits roll. And while the abrupt ending is viscerally effective, it didn't jive with the tone of the rest of the movie. I was startled - first, by what is said - & secondly, that the credits rolled immediately afterwards. Overall, 'Cheri' is a respectable period melodrama, but lacking in entertainment quality. I recommend it, at least, to see Pfeiffer back in action. But don't go in expecting a great movie ... you won't get it.