Desiree
Desiree

Movie spotlight

Desiree

1984
Movie
96 min
English

Set in Brooklyn, New York this Dutch film is based on a true story that appeared on a New York newspaper in 1980. Desirée lives in the past. A series of flashbacks expose us to her psychologically troubled childhood very much affected by a promiscous mother.

Insights

IMDb5.8/10
Director: Curtis HarringtonGenres: Drama, Romance, War

Plot Summary

This historical drama chronicles the tumultuous life of Desirée Clary, a young woman from Marseille who rises from humble beginnings to become a prominent figure in French society. Her life becomes intertwined with destiny as she experiences romance, political upheaval, and personal tragedy during the Napoleonic era. The film follows her journey from her early days to her eventual marriage and her complex relationships with powerful men.

Critical Reception

Desirée received a mixed to negative reception from critics upon its release. While some praised the costumes and production design, many found the narrative slow-paced and lacking emotional depth. The performances were also met with varied reviews, with some acknowledging the leads' efforts while others felt they couldn't elevate the material.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its lavish historical settings and costumes.

  • Criticized for a meandering plot and lack of engaging character development.

  • Performances were generally considered adequate but unable to overcome script weaknesses.

Google audience: Audience reception for Desirée appears to be limited, with available data suggesting a lukewarm response. Viewers who engaged with the film often noted its historical ambition but found it failed to fully capture the intended drama and emotional resonance.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

The film was based on the novel "Desirée" by Annemarie Selinko, which was a bestseller in 1951 and also inspired the 1954 American film "Désirée" starring Jean Simmons and Marlon Brando.

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