DVD Review: Cheri, with Michelle Pfeiffer
The “Belle Epoque” period, extending from the late 1800’s to the Great War, was a wonderful time for the rich. New wealth led to a life of leisure and the indulgence of pleasure for European nobility. This period of prosperity brought celebrity, even to those of dubious character.
Lea de Lonval (Michelle Pfeiffer), a high class courtesan, is one of the most beloved and powerful women in France. Over the course of her career, she has been the object of desire for Europe’s most powerful men. As she begins to acknowledge her age and contemplate retirement, she does a favor for a former rival.
Her “friend” and colleague Charlotte (Kathy Bates) requests that she spend time with her 19-year-old son Fred (Rupert Friend). Born into a life of leisure but set apart from acceptable upper class society by his mother’s profession, Fred lives by the rule of sarcasm and exists as a vapid and spoiled young man.
In spite of their disingenuous flirtation, Lea and Fred bring each other solace from their empty lives and fall in love, despite their 30 year age difference. When Charlotte arranges a marriage for Fred, his casual love affair with Lea erupts into a burning passion, sending both lovers emotions spiraling into a quiet and guarded torment.
Director Stephen Frears (The Queen) reunites with Pfeiffer for the first time since 1988’s “Dangerous Liaisons.” Again, Frears has created a beautiful tableau for his actors and the art design for this film is fantastic. The early 20th century setting is sumptuous and lavish, featuring extravagant French chateaus and flower-filled gardens. Frears fills the camera frame with images both gorgeous and absurd, bringing the world of the rich and bored to life.
Pfeiffer and Bates are excellent as always and they are accompanied by a promising performance by Rupert Friend, who was also good as the sinister German officer in “The Boy With the Striped Pajamas.” His role here is more subdued than menacing and while he does as much as you can with the part, Fred is a character who fails to draw much interest.
The greatest problem with “Cheri” is that the story is a bit too scattered, focusing on the peripheral action and not on the internal thoughts of Fred and Lea. Their romance is a bit hard to get and while French author Colette’s novel was considered quite scandalous in her day, there is little in the film to suggest controversy or outrage about the love affair between people of such different ages. We see them fall in love, but the relationship lacks excitement.
“Cheri” also suffers from a frequent change in tone. At times it can be playful, mirthful and rather humorous. More often, it drags and can even be a bit of a downer. The story concludes with a moment that is surprising, yet, somehow seems fitting. It’s not what you might expect, but how else could it end?
“Cheri” is neither the best or worst costume drama you’re likely to see. The acting is solid but the story feels incomplete and truncated. At 93 minutes, it’s short, but feels long. It would have been nice to flesh out the romance a little bit more, but maybe they figured enough was enough. See it for Pfeiffer and the art design, but like the romance between Lea and Fred, “Cheri” will leave you unsatisfied.
Rated R
3 out of 5
The DVD
“Cheri” is presented in a wide 2.35:1 anamorphic image. The film was well shot but the DVD is a little disappointing. It looks adequate on a standard definition television, but seems a little fuzzy on an HDTV. This movie would look much better on Blu-ray, but as it will likely have a niche audience, Miramax is releasing this only on standard DVD. Sadly, the gorgeous DVD menu pops better than the film.
The disc comes with two sole bonus features including an 8-minute making of featurette. It’s a standard behind-the-scenes look and features interview clips with Frears, Pfeiffer, Bates, Friend, the writer and producer. The other bonus is a short pair of deleted scenes only one of which is interesting.
DVD/Bonus Features rating
2 out of 5
Conclusion
While I like the production design a lot, “Cheri” is mostly lackluster, saved only by solid performances from the lead trio. Even if you’re a big fan of period piece costume dramas, this one is only worthy of a rental.
Tony Robinson is a past host of KATU's Movie Guys film review segment and currently reviews movies exclusively for KATU.com. He lives in Portland with his wife, son and action figure collection. He can be reached at tonerobe@hotmail.com.