Independent Student Newspaper Since 1969

The Badger Herald

Independent Student Newspaper Since 1969

The Badger Herald

Independent Student Newspaper Since 1969

The Badger Herald

Advertisements
Advertisements

Reliable rent

As the Oscars loom before us, many theaters are giving moviegoers a chance to see the Best Picture nominee that they may have missed. Or it could be a chance to see that nominee for the second, third or even fourth time. Whatever the reason, this gives movie lovers a chance to catch up on the films they didn’t make it to last year that are now available for rent. Or it could just be that time of year when money runs short, and you can’t afford to go the movie theater.

To avoid that dreaded decision of picking a movie to please everyone, “Le Divorce” comes highly recommended. It stars Naomi Watts (“The Ring”) and Kate Hudson (“How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days”), as two American sisters who learn the nuances and differences of French divorce etiquette. The movie is directed by James Ivory and produced by Fox Searchlight Productions.

“Le Divorce” begins with the desertion of Roxeanne (Watts), a poet, by her French husband and the arrival of her American sister, Isabel (Hudson). The sisters then must deal with the cultural differences between French and American divorces. To add to difficulties that normally plague a divorce, Roxeanne is pregnant and her husband is already in love with another woman who is also married. As she struggles with the many conflicts present in her life and her beliefs of what a family should be, Hudson discovers many aspects of the French culture and herself at the same time. The meshing of the two cultures is illustrated by Isabel’s relationship with an older man.

Advertisements

The plot is very diverse and sometimes seems to run in many directions at once, but it all comes back together in the end. Isabel and her misadventures with love in France provide a bit of amusement necessary to contrast with the seriousness of divorce as well as the two cultures. Roxeanne shows strength in times of desperation that many have experienced at least one point in their lives.

Also, the contrast between French and American family structures is very amusing in its honesty. The actors playing family members are well cast and include Stockard Channing and Sam Waterston. Glenn Close provides great support as an American writer in Paris who has befriended Roxeanne and employs Isabel.

Overall, “Le Divorce” is a good movie to watch for anyone who has traveled abroad, would like to do so, or is interested in seeing someone else experience a different culture. Although it is not nominated for an Oscar, the cast has had many honors among its members and each has great performances throughout the film. Some may classify “Le Divorce” as a “chick flick,” but the twists of the plot and the jealousy of the exes provide suspense and action that will keep everyone guessing at the conclusion of the movie.

So the next time that you are in the mood to rent a movie instead of shelling out $8 at a theater, head over to your video store of choice and pick up “Le Divorce.” Not only will it satisfy your roommate’s thirst for “culture,” it will take your mind off that paper you haven’t written yet. Oh, yeah, and you won’t need subtitles.

Advertisements
Leave a Comment
Donate to The Badger Herald

Your donation will support the student journalists of University of Wisconsin-Madison. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.

More to Discover
Donate to The Badger Herald

Comments (0)

All The Badger Herald Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *