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Betty Blue (Subtitled) (DVD) [1986]


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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

Sex and sunlight are on ample display in Betty Blue, director Jean-Jacques Beineix's passionate look at mad love. (Every French director is contractually required to make at least one movie about l'amour fou.)

It begins at the seashore, where handyman and failed novelist Zorg (Jean-Hugues Anglade) has his life electrified by Betty, a woman whose sense of abandon frequently tips over into the pathological. This was the role that introduced gap-toothed, voluptuous Beatrice Dalle to the world, and neither Dalle nor the world has ever quite recovered. Traces of Beineix's precious Diva are still present, though this is a darker and more memorable ride, especially in the three-hour "version integrale" that restores an hour of footage. Its copious nude scenes are a drawing card, but stick around for the age-old alchemy of life translated into art. Gabriel Yared's score is a favourite of movie-soundtrack mavens, especially its haunting piano theme.-- Robert Horton


I hated this film!
Review date: 2008-08-27 Rating: 2 out of 10

Going aginst the grain somewhat, I must admit I found this film amazingly irritating!Absolutely stunning in its visuals but the characters are anoyingly contrived and shallow and I was relieved when finally Betty's "madness" led her to a logical conclusion. From what I understand this director was part of the "Cinema du Look" which placed importance on the look of the film over its content and it is undeniably beautiful to look at, but I hated the characters and the stylised feel.

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Reviews


Outstanding French Cinema!
Review date: 2008-03-16 Rating: 10 out of 10

A true French classic and one of my favourite films of all time. It depicts a story of a woman whose life seems to be tormented by invisible demons, and the man who loves her. She comes into his life like a whirlwind, challenging him to become the writer he's always wanted to be. Everything she does is with such passion and aggression.

But her increasingly aberrant behaviour means that, after attacking his boss and causing such mayhem, they have to up and leave quickly. A pattern that continues as Betty is always unsatisfied, always chasing something.

Things become more desperate as she spirals into a deranged world, so much so that Zorg has to think of how he can finally save the woman he loves from more pain.

There are many amazing stand out scenes in this film. In one, Zorg is standing naked playing with a frankfurter! For lovers of French cinema, I cannot recommend this film enough. But then, if you love French cinema, you will probably already know this as a classic.

A must watch for the film afficionado.
Review date: 2007-07-22 Rating: 10 out of 10

37.2 Le Matin(Betty Blue) is a brilliant piece of work. Jean-Huhues Anglades' natural performance as Zorg in this easy going - take life as it comes story line makes you want to see more of him. To see someone you love violently erode away is painful and Robins' beautiful camera work with the slow tracking makes the visual experience stimulating. The slow pace of this tale of love and friendship is no cause of concern. Very French, the nudity is handled beautifully. The subtle use of the color yellow is interesting. The film makes you want to be free to live a life of impulse and simplicity. A must watch for the film aficionado.

A modern classic - stunning
Review date: 2007-06-08 Rating: 10 out of 10

If I could give this film 6 stars, I would have.

This is a beautiful, haunting piece that has deservedly become a classic. The almost unbearable delay to its DVD release no doubt added to its mystique and cult status (along with that wonderful poster), but regardless, it is quite simply wonderful.

21 years since it's original release, it remains one of the very few examples of a film being as good as the novel - in fact, it's possibly even better.

Impeccably acted, with a wonderful script and haunting camera work, somehow it manages to exemplify the eighties while retaining a timeless quality. Beatrice Dalle is simply stunning - not just in her beauty but in the way she obssesses and seduces both the lead male character and the viewer.

It's almost a shame that she won this role so early in her career as she has never bettered it - and will probably never be able to. She therefore remains a very under-rated actress.

Essential viewing for any lover of French cinema - essential viewing in fact for any lover of quality cinema.

Buy it - you won't be disappointed, but you may be a little bit haunted ...

Aaah, Betty
Review date: 2007-01-15 Rating: 10 out of 10

I adore this film, and watch it again and again and again...
It is compelling, if not compulsive, viewing.
It is beautiful, powerful, sensitive, moving and totally addictive.
It is quite possibly the best film that has ever been made.
It is...Betty Blue...a classic...a one off...incomparable...unequalled...perfect in every way!

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Jean-Hugues Anglade
Beatrice Dalle
Consuelo De Havilland
Gerard Darmon

Creators:
Beatrice Dalle (Primary Contributor)
Gerard Darmon (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Sony Pictures Home Ent.UK
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures Home Ent.UK
EAN: 5035822935334
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2006-03-13
Audience rating: Suitable for 18 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 178 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1986
Language: English (Subtitled)
Language: French (Original Language)

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