Ridicule (1996)

RIDICULE is recommendable.  This fabulous French film, set in the 
18th century, concerns a kind country engineer (Charles Berling) 
with designs on his rural province.  Seeking to drain the swamps 
that breed the mosquitoes that make his peasants sick, he ventures 
to Versailles, to the court of Louis XVI.  There he discovers duel-
lists a-plenty, men (and women) who measure their successes not by 
sword nor shot, but how keenly their wit can cut.  The actors are 
wonderful, the period detail is perfect, but, oh, how slowly it 
moves in spots.  I blame the subtitles-- verbal sparring should be 
heard and not read.  Directed by Patrice Leconte (THE HAIRDRESSER'S 
HUSBAND, MONSIEUR HIRE).  (Rated "R"/102 min.)

Grade: B+

Copyright 1997 by Michael J. Legeros

Originally posted to triangle.movies in Boxers and Briefs