The Affair of the Necklace

Rating:
Summary: Very well done
Review: For so many, the mark of a good movie is one that inspires thought. This is definitely one of those movies. For anyone who is interested in the French Revolution period, especially the role that Marie Antoinette played in it, this movie is a must. All of the characters are portrayed well, but Joely Richardson, who plays to ultimately doomed Queen, Marie Antoinette, is extraordinary. Knowing a great deal about the Queen, I think Richardson was able to accurately show the faults of the monarch, but also reveals her strengths and her own humanity. All together, the scenery, Versailles, and the costumes make this movie an excellent choice. I highly recommend it!

Rating:
Summary: Period costumes and music save it
Review: For those who know me, if I am disappointed with a period film, it has to be bad. I was waiting for this one to come out on DVD because it was only released in art house theatres (as usual). So I rented it--and I was glad I didn't waste my time in the theatre. The story was boring, the actors were so-so, but the scenery, costumes, and soundtrack were absolutely beautiful. Too bad they were used on this, rather than something more exciting within the same time period, like a big-screen adaptaion of "The Scarlet Pimpernel" (NOT the musical).

Rating:
Summary: The Necklace Tells The Story
Review: I enjoyed this film. In pre-Revolutionary France, as a child, Hilary Swank's parents are murdered and robbed stemming from her father's political view against the government. Deprived of her heritage, she, as an adult, begins a trek to reacquire her family's estate and punish those who were responsible for the unjust death of her parents. In her quest, the infamous necklace is the centerpiece of a ruse. A lavish necklace that is not hers, is used as a lure in a complex plot to expose the avarice archbishop. Hilary provides a fine performance.

Rating:
Summary: I Loved This Movie
Review: I had heard many bad reports about this movie, but since I am interested in pre-revolutionary France, and have just finished reading Antonia Fraser's wonderful biography on Marie Antionette, I decided to give it a go. Well I am glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and highly recommend it. It is wonderfully directed and edited. The story accurate for the most part, and the acting supurb. Hilary Swank may have been "slightly" miscast as Jeanne, but she still does a fine job of it (which proves she is a remarkably capable actress). She gives depth and meaning to a shadowy figure from history that we really know nothing about. True, there are some flaws in the film, but don't dismiss it out of hand because of that. See for yourself.

Rating:
Summary: Well "I" Liked it!
Review: I had to put in my two cents on this movie because not only did I find it entertaining from start to finish but I found the music quite lovely. If I wanted to purchase anything I'd want the soundtrack as the combination of classical pieces used was enchanting, in my opinion. I think Hilary Swank is a fine actor and did a commendable job. I recommend it. =)

Rating:
Summary: A HISTORICAL FARCE.
Review: I HAVE NEVER WATCHED A MORE DISSAPOINTNG MOVIE IN MY LIFE.
AS A HISTORY FAN OF THE18'TH CENTURY I KNOW THAT THE AFFAIR OF THE NECKLACE HAS GREAT DRAMATIC POTENTIAL. IN THIS FILM THIS POTENTIAL WAS TOTALLY SQUANDERED. THESCRIPT IS BAD AND THE CHARACTERS ARE COMPLETELY OUT OF PLACE.
JEANNE LAMMOTE VALOIS WHO INCIDENTLY WAS NOT A COUNTESS NEVER MET THE QUEEN IN REAL LIFE AND SHE WAS FAR FROM BEEN THE POOR INNOCENT VICTIM SHE IS PORTRAYED.
THIS FILM AND ESPECIALLY THE SCRIPT COULD HAVE BEEN A GREAT SATIRIC COMEDY. AS IT IS THE ONLY GOOD THAT CAN BE SAID ABOUT IT IS THE COSTUMES AND SETTINGS THEY GAVE THE IMPRESSION OF HISTORICAL ACCURACY.
IT IS THEREFORE A PITY THAT INB THE SCENE BETWEEN THE KING AND QUEEN AND THE CARDINAL BEFORE HE IS ARRESTED THE PORTRAIT OF THE QUEEN SHOWN IN THE BACKROUND WAS SO CLEARLY A UNTRUE.
SURELY WITH SUCH A GOOD BUDGET THEY COULD HAVE USED SOME ORIGINAL PICTURES SUCH AS THE ONE THE fRENCH PAINTER vIGEE lE bRUN DID OF THE QUEEN. OR AT LEAST A GOOD COPY

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Historical Drama
Review: I highly recommend this film to all 18th century history buffs. For me the star of this film was Joely Richardson. Her performance as Marie Antoinette was brilliant and masterful. The BBC should consider doing a miniseries based on Antonia Fraser's recent biography with Joely. Joely is everything I imagined Marie Antoinette to be: haughty, vulnernable, and sympathetic. The scene (though no doubt fictitious) at the Bastille with the Comtesse is Joely's best. Especially well done and amazing to watch is the historically accurate Grove of Venus scene involving a fake Marie Antoinette. A very enjoyable film, lose on some facts, but great at bringing an important historical period and an obscure historial event to life. For a brief and accurate synopsis of the diamond necklace scandal, I recommend Antonia Fraser's recently published biography of Marie Antoinette.

Rating:
Summary: Downfall of Marie Antoinette
Review: I loved the movie. Don't know how factual it was in relation to Marie Antoinette. Liked the period scenes and the whole cinematography of the movie. Hilary Swank did a credible job with the lead character. Could have covered some character in more depth.

Rating:
Summary: An Affair To Remember
Review: I try not to buy movies that I haven't seen yet for fear of being stuck with a bad film, but I took a chance with this movie and I was right at doing it. The movie was wonderful and the acting was very good. Many scenes in the movie have a dramatic feel to it that really sets up your emotions. The music is also powerful. If you like history or movies made by true events then I surely recommend people buy this film. When watching this movie you need to pay attention to the diagloue. Missing one scene could get you confused. If you seen it once and didn't like it I recommend you watch it again (alone if possible) and listen carefully. It's a movie worth it.

Rating:
Summary: The Necklace
Review: If you like period movies you will like this DVD. The extra's are OK. As far as casting and the other reviews, if you bother to take the time to view the extra's on DVD, you'll understand why they did what they did. Accent's are fine if you can do them, if you can't you shouldn't try to fake it. The accent's didn't detract from my enjoyment of the movie. The extra's were good except for commentary, which is why I rate the extras as ok. Pretend that this isn't based on a true story, and just enjoy the story.