Review: COUSIN BETTE
Starring: Jessica Lange
Elisabeth Shue
Bob Hoskins
Review by: Joy Wyse
In the musical/movie "The Music Man" reference is made to the works of "Balzac". His novels are thought of as scandalous and should be banned from the River City Library. I can see why. But in today's less sheltered society, this is very entertaining. Not only are we shown the respectable side of life in the era, we are privy to the naughty goings-on in the background.
Jessica Lange is the title character who causes most of the mayhem that engulfs the other's lives. She has been secretly harboring resentment against her cousin who married the man of her dreams. After the cousin dies, Bette is led to believe that he will now finally marry her. Instead, he offers her the position of housekeeper. Little could he guess how that "insult" could affect him. Bette cleverly enlists the aid of others in her scheme to have a happy ending, Bette-style.
There are hysterically funny scenes involving Bob Hoskins, whether in the bedroom or on the dueling field. Elisabeth Shue is perfectly cast as the dance hall girl who seduces at will and for her own profit and enjoyment. As a warning to some: this IS Balzac, complete with some very naughty, but fun, sex scenes. Don't leave early thinking that it's over [as some people did]. There is a very clever final scene.
I will probably watch this again, on video or TV. I give it a solid B.
See you at the Movies.
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