Saturday, January 26, 2019

8 Women (2002): Catherine Deneuve, Emmanuelle Beart and Ludivine Sagnier


     Based on the 1972 play "Huit Femmes" by Robert Thomas, "8 Women" or 8 Femmes (2002) was co-written and directed by Francois Ozon. Original in it's look and feel, Ozon was very much inspired by the films of the 1950's, particularly the costumes, and he hired designer Pascaline Chavanne to concoct a diverse wardrobe for the characters. A cinematic feast for the eyes, the film is beautiful and vibrant in every regard. Combining comedy, murder-mystery and musical elements, 8 Femmes manages to maintain a cohesive feel throughout. The cast is astounding, with some of the greatest French actresses, both old and young, gracing the same screen... including Catherine Deneuve, Emmanuelle Beart, Danielle Darrieux, Ludivine Sagnier, Isabelle Huppert and Virginie Ledoyen. 
     At an affluent Country house in the 1950's, while preparing for Christmas, the lives of the servants and family alike are thrown into turmoil when the master of the house, Marcel, is found dead in his bed, with a knife in his back. The culprit must be one of the eight women present... 

8 Women. 2002: Catherine Deneuve, Emmanuelle Beart, Ludivine Sagnier
     including the Marcel's wife, Gaby (Catherine Deneuve)... 

8 Women. 2002: Catherine Deneuve

     the chamber-maid, Louise (Emmanuelle Beart)... 

8 Women. 2002: Emmanuelle Beart, Ludivine Sagnier

     his daughters, Catherine (Ludivine Sagnier) and Suzon (Virginie Ledoyen)... 

8 Women. 2002: Ludivine Sagnier

     as well as the rest of the family and staff...  

8 Women. 2002: Catherine Deneuve, Emmanuelle Beart, Ludivine Sagnier

     Suspicion grows... 

8 Women. 2002

     torrid secrets are unveiled... 

8 Women. 2002: Emmanuelle Beart

8 Women. 2002: Emmanuelle Beart

8 Women. 2002: Catherine Deneuve

8 Women. 2002: Catherine Deneuve

     Which of the eight women murdered Marcel? and why?

8 Women. 2002: Catherine Deneuve, Emmanuelle Beart, Ludivine Sagnier

8 Women. 2002: Catherine Deneuve, Emmanuelle Beart, Ludivine Sagnier