Madame Bovary (1949)

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   Siskoid

   Let's be honest, Flaubert being the consummate stylist he is, no adaptation of Madame Bovary, especially if not in French, is going to do the work justice. That said, the 1949 version makes things difficult for itself by starting at Flaubert's trial for immoral writing. First, why do all the old adaptations feel the need to explain they are adaptations of great works in some way? It's clunky, but I guess they knew their audiences better than I. Second, by saying the book was scandalous, they're setting the audience up for disappointment, as the Hays Code restricts what movies of this era could show. Flaubert's defense in the case is that the book isn't so black and white and is actually quite ambiguous, but then the ambiguity is dispelled by his testimony (or self-serving narration) that basically interprets the work for us. It's adaptation as Cliff's Notes, kids. Eventually, the narration calms down and we can enjoy (if that's the word) the story of a woman who filled her head with romances and then found the real world wanting and started misbehaving. Jennifer Jones in the role is melodramatic where most of the people around her are playing it more realistically, pushing the portrayal to unhinged at times. Not sure that's a correct interpretation either. Watchable for sure and it has stronger moments (the breaking of the windows, Emma's final fate), but dumbed down to within an inch of its life. You do the adaptation, movie, and I'LL take care of the interpretation, thanks. 4 years 1 month ago

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