and that pretty well sums up the deepest message of this adaptation of "La Princesse de Clèves". Having seen this at the 33rd Cleveland International Film Festival, I will admit to not having an appreciation of Christophe Honore's other work, have not read the book, nor did I recognize any of the actors. The film is put together reasonably well technically. Everyone is young, thin and good-looking, with many a fine pout below a classic Gallic countenance. There were (too) many relationships to track on a first viewing, and I did not understand the motivation for most of the characters. Why does everyone fall in love with Junie? Why does she break down and cry in class? As a high school-age tale, the self-absorbed interpersonal world is apt, with enough sexual tension and romantic intrigue to satisfy the requirements of this genre.
Review of The Beautiful Person
