Watch The Duchess of Langeais

The Duchess of Langeais is a 2007 French drama film adapted from a 19th-century novel by Honore de Balzac. The film tells the story of a passionate but ultimately doomed love affair between the Duchess of Langeais, played by Jeanne Balibar, and an exiled general named Armand de Montriveau, played by Guillaume Depardieu. Bulle Ogier also stars in the film as the Duchess's confidante and advisor, the Marquise de Rochefide.

The film is set in 1823 France, in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars. The Duchess of Langeais is a bored and restless aristocrat, trapped in a loveless marriage to a much older man. She entertains herself by playing games with the men of the Parisian elite, including General Montriveau, who has become fascinated with her.

At first, the Duchess treats Montriveau as just another conquest, taunting and teasing him with her flirtatious behavior. But as their relationship deepens, the power dynamic between them begins to shift. Montriveau becomes increasingly obsessed with the Duchess, trying to win her love and attention at any cost. The Duchess, meanwhile, begins to realize that she may have finally met her match in Montriveau, and that her feelings for him are far more complex than she had initially thought.

As their relationship becomes more intense, the two lovers find themselves caught up in a dangerous game of desire, deceit, and manipulation, with the Duchess's reputation and social standing at stake. Despite their deep feelings for each other, neither is willing to give up their pride or their power over the other, until events take a tragic turn and they are forced to confront the true nature of their feelings and the consequences of their actions.

The Duchess of Langeais is a visually stunning film, with beautiful period costumes and sets that evoke the elegance and decadence of the French aristocracy. The film is also notable for its intense and nuanced performances, particularly from Balibar and Depardieu, who convey a complex range of emotions and motivations as their characters struggle with their feelings for each other.

Director Jacques Rivette's delicate, restrained approach to the material lends the film a sense of intimacy and authenticity, and the film's subtle exploration of power dynamics and gender roles in romantic relationships gives the story a timeless relevance that still resonates with modern audiences.

Overall, The Duchess of Langeais is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of love and desire in a society governed by strict social norms and hierarchical power structures. The film's beautiful visuals, powerful performances, and nuanced storytelling make it a must-see for fans of period dramas and romantic tragedies alike.

The Duchess of Langeais is a 2007 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 18 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 74.