Cousin Bette

REVIEW
Skating dangerously close to Dangerous Liaisons territory, director McAnuff tackles Balzac's story of class rivalry, sexual treachery and revenge, and though his production lacks the sizzle of Stephen Frears' classic, this poor cousin manages to stand on its own. Betraying her good looks, Lange stars as the uncomely title character, poor relations to the wealthy Hulot family in 19th-century France. Rebuffed by Hector Hulot (Laurie), she plots vengeance upon the family. Taking a job as seamstress to the theatrical belle of Paris, Jenny Colson (wonderfully played by Shue), Bette lets loose her wrath on the family one by one, with a little help from the Hulots' individual vices and a lot of help from Jenny. Lange settles into the role nicely, though she's rarely given the opportunity to strut her stuff. The same can be said for McAnuff's direction -- it's extremely competent but at times lacks a true passion.