JEAN-PAUL RAPPENEAU

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BBB

Original title:  Le Hussard Sur Le Toit

France, 1995.  Hachette Première, Canal+, Centre Européen Cinématographique Rhône-Alpes, Compagnie Européenne Cinématographique, Entree Europees Cineatografique, France 2 Cinéma.  Screenplay by Jean-Claude Carriere, Jean-Paul Rappeneau, Nina Companeez, based on the novel by Jean Giono.  Cinematography by Thierry Arbogast.  Produced by René Cleitman.    Music by Jean-Claude Petit.  Production Design by Ezio Frigerio, Jacques Rouxel, Christian Marti.  Costume Design by Franca Squarciapino.  Film Editing by Noelle Boisson.  

Enjoyable costume drama from France is as empty-headed as a low-rent romance novel. An epidemic has broken out in a peaceful region in France during the nineteenth century, plunging the countryside into terror and chaos. Italian rebel soldier Olivier Martinez finds himself in a near-abandoned home looking for shelter from the commotion when he comes upon a sole resident of the manor, a young woman (Juliette Binoche, who had an offscreen romance with her handsome co-star at the time the film was made) who refuses to leave out of fear. The two set out on a journey, with him escorting her safely through the mess they’re surrounded by, but can they get through without getting infected by the terrible disease themselves? Beautifully decorated and costumed, this film is a bit laughable only because of how hard it tries to convince you of its grand importance, when really it’s a silly romance that makes for a momentary but enjoyable indulgence. Look for cameos by a host of famous French actors including Gerard Depardieu.