Movie Review: “Chéri”

Seen on: June 19, 2009

The players: Director: Stephen Frears, Writer: Christopher Hampton, Cast: Michelle Pfeiffer, Kathy Bates, Rupert Friend, Bette Bourne, Felicity Jones

Facts of interest: Stephen Frears also directed "The Queen."

The plot: A famous courtesan's plans to reture are shattered when she launches into an affair with a much younger man.

Our thoughts: Director Stephen Frears reunites with his “Dangerous Liaisons” actress Michelle Pfeiffer in his latest drama “Chéri,” based on the popular 1920 novel by French author Colette. The result, though not as intriguing as some of Frears’ other recent works, is certainly watchable, with Pfeiffer and co-actor Rupert Friend delivering a pair of compelling performances.

Set during the belle époque in Paris, the film stars Pfeiffer as prominent courtesan Lea de Lonval, who’s just about to retire when her former colleague Madame Peloux (Kathy Bates) asks her to teach her lazy 19-year-old son Chéri (Friend) a thing or two about women.

What starts as an amusing fling, however, soon grows into a more complicated relationship when Lea develops serious feelings for the frivolous youngster. Things get even worse for both of them when Chéri’s eccentric mother forces him into an arranged marriage with a woman (Felicity Jones) his own age.

And so the story of “Chéri” begins, with Lea quickly slipping into a state of misery fueled by her love for a much younger man who’s pushed into leaving her for a shallow marriage. Not knowing how to deal with his predicament, Lea finds herself struggling with growing feelings of jealousy and the difficulty to come to terms with her own age.

The plot of “Chéri” is not the most fast-paced or intriguing, but Pfeiffer’s excellent performance makes it all worthwhile. She clearly owns every scene she’s in, and she delivers a fine job playing a troubled woman who struggles with feelings she’s never really experienced before. Indeed, Pfeiffer’s portrayal of Lea is authentic and powerful.

Friend’s character is less complicated than Pfeiffer’s, but the British newcomer manages to deliver an energetic performance as an arrogant, naïve man who pretty much refuses to grow up. Kathy Bates is very loud as Madame Peloux, and her recurring attempts to deliver some comic moments fall rather flat. She occasionally lightens up the generally depressing mood of the film, but most of the film, she tries too hard.

Freaky quote: "I can't criticize his character, mainly because he doesn't seem to have one!" – Michelle Pfeiffer

The final word: As a small period drama, “Chéri” is mostly entertaining, but not memorable. The film boasts solid production values (and a great score by Alexandre Desplat), but it’s clearly nothing for the masses. Frears fans will probably enjoy it, although I doubt many will be overwhelmed.

Article by Franck Tabouring