8 Women
2002, 103 min A.K.A.: 8 Femmes, Huit Femmes Country: France Studio: Universal Cast: Danielle Darrieux, Catherine Deneuve, Isabelle Huppert, Emmanuelle Béart, Fanny Ardant, Virginie Ledoyen, Ludivine Sagnier Director: François Ozon Screenwriter: François Ozon Our Rating:
REVIEW
Ozon has done his homework on female-driven Hollywood classics. With 8 Women, France's most energetic contemporary director is all about All About Eve references and women who rule. Recently, Hollywood has reduced much of its women's films to lighthearted mush, so it's nice to see this homage to the glory years of female power and edginess onscreen. When a murder (of the only male in the film) occurs at a country estate, the eight women of the title all become suspect. Trying to figure out whodunnit leads to many skeletons being released from many closets. Both soap-operatic deception and a few carefully placed musical numbers create a playful atmosphere in the midst of some dark themes. Using his ever-increasing clout, Ozon assembles the A-list of French actresses and has them delightfully chew up the scenery. Deneuve and Huppert in these showy, uncharacteristic roles are a joy, and 8 Women glimmers with a sassiness that Bette Davis would appreciate.(French with English subtitles) --Mekado Murphy Editor's Suggestions
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