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156 comments in total

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56 out of 65 people found the following comment useful :-
These ladies kick ass!, 20 August 2003

Author: RWiggum from Erlangen, Germany

'8 Women' is a rather unique film. On the surface it is the probably only entry in the genre of the grotesque whodunit-musical. But actually, it's a huge playground - for the actresses who get the chance to play with the stereotypes attached to them, and for director François Ozon to toy with the clichés of the whodunit.

Here's the setup: 1950s. A beautiful mansion. A man is found lying in his bed with a knife in his back. The possible suspects: His wife, his two daughters, his sister, his mother-in-law, his sister-in-law, the chambermaid and the cook. As these eight women can't leave the estate or call the police, they try to find the murderer themselves. We know this situation from countless Agatha Christie-stories.

But what Ozon makes of this situation is just incredible. It already begins with the casting: Who else could play the gentrified Gaby if not Catherine Deneuve? Is there any actress who would fit more perfectly for the role of the spinsterish sister than Isabelle Huppert? Who else would you want to walk around in that dress of a chambermaid than the most desirable Emmanuelle Béart? The actresses are eagerly playing with the stereotypes that surround them because of both, the roles they played and their private lives.

Then there's the story: All whodunits have those obligatory scenes where the motives of all characters are revealed. '8 Women' takes that formula and deliberately goes over the top with it, it's characters are unfaithful, pregnant, lesbian, poisoners and many things more. And as a final twist, the film stops eight times to give each of its protagonists a chance to reveal her true character in a scene entirely devoted to them - singing and dancing. There is also another scene worth mentioning that is entirely dedicated to the actresses: A scene with a lot of dialog that entirely consists of nothing but a series of closeups - and that for about three minutes.

Cinephiles can enjoy this film on even another level: The film is filled with references to beloved classics. Consider Fanny Ardant's musical number, which pays homage to Rita Hayworth's glove-strip in 'Gilda', and another Rita Hayworth-moment so wonderful I won't reveal it here. Consider Emmanuelle Béarts hairstyle that echoes Kim Novak in 'Vertigo'. Consider the fact that the late husband of the Dannielle Darrieux character was a general, reminding us of 'Madame de...'. Or consider the painting of the young Catherine Deneuve hanging in one room - a replica of a 'Belle de jour'-poster. All this is supported by the rich, colorful cinematography, the art direction and the costumes, that give the entire film a 1950s look.

But attention: If you give this film a chance, don't expect it to be logically consistent. It isn't. But that doesn't matter at all. The murder mystery story is replaceable. The film is entirely devoted to its brilliant actresses and the wonderful, bitchy dialog they exchange. It's great fun and it is getting better with every viewing.

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38 out of 55 people found the following comment useful :-
Well crafted drama/mystery/musical..., 23 January 2005

Author: dwpollar from Bothell, Washington

1st watched 1/23/2005 - 9 out of 10(Dir-Francois Ozone): Well crafted drama/mystery/musical that is so full it's hard to critique into a summary. The basic plot is that 8 related women find themselves in the same place at approximately the same time when the lone man is presumed to be murdered, who happens to be the grandfather, father, husband, bearer of child, lover etc… of the women(not necessarily in that order). You talk about complexity of plot? Every time someone opens their mouth another twist is thrown into the mix. I think it would take at least another viewing to understand everyone's relationship with everyone else by the end of the movie. And besides this, musical numbers are thrown in to help us understand the characters that are sung by themselves and sometimes backed up by the rest of the cast(ala Bollywood). One thing I have always noticed about French movies is that they come across as a confused people but they're OK with that, instead of the American's who believe that "they" have the answers to everything. This makes it slightly un-comfortable for us pompous Americans to view movies like this where every "real" thing in life is kind of taken with a little tongue-in-cheek mentality but this is the reality of their people and it's present often in their movies. Good for them!! This is so evident in this movie where because of it's mystery plot, we think that who did the killing is what's important, but what we find out is that there is much more behind the so-called answer we're seeking which makes for a very complex experience. Thank you French cinema. Without it there would not be movies like this.

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29 out of 44 people found the following comment useful :-
FANTASTIQUE ! ! !, 19 March 2003

Author: Janet-4 (Waikiki8@comcast.net) from Western Mass.

In this time when it may be considered fashionable to bash the French (this is written on the eve of war - the USA against Iraq) I, for one, wish to open a bottle of the best French Champagne to toast this most marvelous film! Merci beaucoup, Monsieur Ozon! This movie is a treat on all levels - sure, it's not for everyone, but if you like musicals, and a plate full of gorgeous GREAT actresses to boot, then - have at it, and enjoy!

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19 out of 29 people found the following comment useful :-
I saw the future of French cinema and its name is François Ozon!, 20 March 2004

Author: dbdumonteil

A movie launched in 2002, "8 femmes" was the establishing movie for François Ozon. Through his movies, from his medium-length film "See the Sea" (1997) to "8 women" (2002) to "the criminal lovers" (1999), he developed his own style based on surprise. In short, his aim is to surprise the spectator. With this movie, we can say that he reached his goal and it is probably his most accomplished movie. It is also a movie that confirms the originality of his cinema.

First of all, "8 women" is a movie that surprises by its tone breaks. It means that Ozon passes from drama to comedy with great ease just like Jaco Van Dormael with "Toto the Hero" (1991). As for the songs, they are totally unexpected. Which other director would have included musical numbers in a detective movie?

As for the influences of the movie, they are numerous. Of course, this film is an adaptation from a play that evokes the Agatha Christie universe but Ozon felt like scattering his movie with all kinds of allusions: Vincente Minelli, Douglas Sirk (the deer in the garden). These allusions are especially linked to French culture: the French TV program "au théâtre ce soir" but also Jacques Demy (the bright colors, the songs) and French cinema before the "new wave". More than allusions, they are tributes from a director who once said "I don't care about new-wave".

François Ozon also plays with the spectator, a bit like Hergé with the Tintin album "the Castafiore Emerald". He holds him spellbound until the end of the film either by leading him on wrong tracks, either by giving him clues that seem to make the movie progress, and this until the final revelation that turns out to be unexpected and amazing. Besides, given the conclusion, Ozon's movie can be considered in its whole as a farce with absurd humor. The best example involves Danièle Darrieux. At the beginning of the movie, she seems to be disabled but then she stands up and walks without any difficulty for an important part of the movie!

The movie is also powerful thanks to its dialogs. On this point, beware of the poster where these 8 women have a smiling countenance! These witty and sometimes ironical dialogs reveal these women's real personality that mainly rests on selfishness. Furthermore, the actresses have a spare time in the shoes of their respective character (Isabelle Huppert is particularly irresistible).

Ozon also left high and dry several details that have, in the long run nothing important (and it is a compliment): we don't know at what time the movie takes place. Several points of the movie show it: the songs composed at different times. Then, certain elements of scenery and dialogs seem either dated either modern. In another extent, we never see the face of the sole man in the plot.

In the end, "8 women" is an unrealistic, timeless and unique movie and surprise to see this movie meet commercial acclaim in France. François Ozon by imposing his style so peculiar remains more than ever a filmmaker to follow.

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6 out of 8 people found the following comment useful :-
8 stars for 8 Women, 3 November 2007

Author: marissabidilla from United States

In the simply uncategorizable French movie "8 Women," successful businessman Marcel is found stabbed to death in his bed. Whodunit? Was it his wife (Catherine Deneuve) or his estranged sister (Fanny Ardant)? Or his mother-in-law (Danielle Darrieux) or his sister-in-law (Isabelle Huppert)? Or one of his daughters (Virginie Ledoyen, Ludivine Sagnier)? Or his longtime cook (Firmine Richard) or his new housemaid (Emmanuelle Béart)?

The movie, however, is less concerned with the murderess's identity than with giving these 8 actresses the chance to show off, in a series of campy, funny, melodramatic scenes. To that effect, there are countless catty remarks and catfights. The revealing of progressively more outrageous family secrets. Lesbianism, twisted love triangles, chic couture wardrobes, transformations from ugly duckling to swan. And, last but not least, musical numbers. The action stops for each woman to dance and sing (usually in a breathy untrained voice) a pop song that reveals her character's emotional state. It's a bizarre mix, but you'll find yourself laughing through your incredulity.

Faced with eight such talented actresses it feels rude to single out individual performers, but Huppert's portrayal of the embittered spinster Augustine steals the movie. Every one of her line readings is distinctive and hilarious, making this abrasive, histrionic character an absolute delight to watch. Almost as good is Ardant, playing a surprisingly likable free-spirited bad girl; because her character has no shame, she's at least honest when all the other women tell lies.

The lesser-known Firmine Richard gets one of the best musical numbers with "Pour ne pas vivre seul" ("So as not to live alone"), and Sagnier, who was in her early twenties when she filmed the movie, very convincingly plays a bratty 16-year-old.

All of the actresses' roles allow them to satirize their own or others' personas: Béart sends up the "seductive French maid" stereotype; Ledoyen is costumed to look like Audrey Hepburn but her character is no girlish innocent; Deneuve plays a variation on her customary chilly, glamorous bourgeois matron. Meanwhile, grande dame Darrieux cuts loose in the role of a meddling, lying grandma.

"8 Women" is thus more than just a comedy-mystery-musical: it's a witty postmodern comment on movie genres, movie stars, and three generations of French divas. It has a healthy sense of its own absurdity (indeed, how can anyone take this Agatha-Christie-type mystery seriously anymore?) yet all of the actresses are fully committed to telling this ridiculous story. Certainly one of the strangest films I've ever seen, it also--unlike so many serious and earnest modern movies--reminds me of why I love the Technicolor screen and its great actresses in the first place.

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8 out of 12 people found the following comment useful :-
To be seen on multiple levels - the more, the better, 13 July 2003

Author: xavier-2

Beneath the plot, the acting and the singing, the movie is even more enjoyable with some references. (1) While combinations of actresses of that caliber are almost unheard of anywhere, the older actresses have intersected before - and mock their prior common roles. In particular, Darrieux played Deneuve's mother twice before; Darrieux' role as the mother in Demoiselles de Rochefort, Les (1967) parallels that played by Deneuve here. (2) The actresses each mock one of their own mannerisms and/or that of one of the other actresses. For instance, Ledoyen imitates the hand movements typical of Deneuve in the 1960s and 1970s. Look also for the pairs matched in the back-to-back dance near the end - more clues! (3) Each actress also imitates one famous star or style of American cinema of the era (that is, the 1940s-1960s). Most obviously, Béart imitates Jeanne Moreau in Journal d'une femme de chambre, Le (1964) and Ardant imitates Rita Hayworth (e.g., Gilda (1946)). (4) The linchpin between these actresses, via various directors, is Romy Schneider. The picture that Deneuve picks up from Béart's apron is Schneider's. Basically, you may enjoy the film (or not) on the first degree, but for better or for worse, it is full of references. The good news, for cinephiles, is that the references are a lot broader and a fair bit more subtle than the typical Hollywood-to-Hollywood, Cinecita-to-Cinecita or Hong Kong-to-Hong Kong navel gazing.

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13 out of 22 people found the following comment useful :-
A Delight! A movie to smile and take it as it comes., 27 February 2004

Author: SAYSI (saysi25@hotmail.com) from Canada/Argentina

Eight great actresses, one smart director, one look, and many surprising styles. Forget the plot, just enjoy beautiful audiovisual entertainment. ...with class. The songs were a surprise, and a pleasant one for that, they right away took the attitude of watching the film to a different dimension. To have fun, to see great and beautiful actresses and to just take things without being overly serious...8 Femmes is the ticket.

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6 out of 9 people found the following comment useful :-
Not hilarious but consistently amusing and entertaining thanks to across-the-board strong delivery, 28 December 2006
Author: bob the moo from Birmingham, UK

It is nearing Christmas when Gaby and teenage daughter Suzon return to their home. Her husband Marcel is poorly but he has allowed Gaby's mother Mamy and Aunt Augustine to remain in the house as well – with maids Chanel and Louise to help with the guests and his other daughter Catherine. With all these women in the house, minor squabbles break out but nothing compares to the tension when Louise discovers that someone has murdered Marcel. With the house cut off by snow and the phone lines cut, it is clear that one of the eight assembled women must have done the murder – but with so many motives and so much suspicion, who could it have been?

Even if you have not seen any of these types of films or plays, the set-up will be familiar as a sort of drawing-room "one of us is the murderer" affair and indeed that is exactly what it is, in the tradition of Agatha Christie I suppose. However what Ozon's film does is take the staples of this genre and plays with them to produce a richly comic, colourful and enjoyable exaggeration thereof. Unlike some reviewers, I did not find it roaringly funny but did find it continually amusing. The plot could have been played straight and thus is good enough to hold the interest as a genre piece but it is the delivery that makes it enjoyable and engaging. While some of the songs are a bit ropey, their delivery is all slightly ott and fun for it. It also helps that the whole film is full of rich colours, again giving it the feel of a play, happening right in front of you.

Of course as with any play, a lot does rest on the cast and here we are not disappointed as the starry cast mostly "get" what the film is trying to do. Deneuve is great as the wife while Darrieux enjoys her character a great deal. Béart and Ardant both stick in the mind easily because they have a great lingering sexuality to their characters that they bring out well (Béart is particularly impressive at this game and it was here that I twigged how stunning she is). Huppert is enjoyable but I didn't like the changes her character undergoes at the end. Ledoyen is very good with her character but I wasn't so taken with Sagnier – she was OK but I thought she had the least to work with.

Overall then an enjoyable and lively take on an occasionally dry genre. The plot is solid enough to be interesting but it is the delivery across the board that adds colour, vitality and fun to the mix – from direction through set design to of course the performances. Not hilarious but consistently amusing and entertaining.

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3 out of 4 people found the following comment useful :-
I was expecting something better, 18 December 2005

Author: fred3f from United States

I fully expected this movie to be very good, based on the stars and the reputation of its director. Instead I was disappointed. Certainly the movie has some strong points. The plot is interesting, the players are all very good, even the ones that are not as well known. There are flashes of charm and delight, but this is all spoiled by some very strong negatives.

Most of the negatives have to do with the director. When you have a strong group of players like this, the director has to provide a strong unifying vision, otherwise each of the players will simply play to their roll, and the result will look as though each is trying to outdo the other. That isn't the case, really, they just have no direction. That is what happened in this film. Unfortunately the players had no restraints put on them and it was embarrassing to see some of the most seasoned and intelligent actresses of our time like Catherine Deneuve and Isabelle Huppert acting as if they are in a vacuum or trying to upstage each other without any controlling hand.

Another problem with the film is that the musical numbers are injected with no transition, which makes them seem out of context to the tone and dramatic tension of the film. The director probably lacked the kind of backup in staging and sound design that could be had at MGM in the glory days of their musicals, but even so, there was not even the slightest attempt to integrate the songs with the rest of the film. They are sudden intrusions that do not match the tone of what came before or what follows. They break that all important "suspension of reality" and make the film seem amateurish. Also, with the exception of Danielle Darrieux, none of the actresses could sing very well. There is something to be said for the Hollywood practice of having a pro do the song and the actress lip-sync.

There was one problem with the film that has to do with my personal taste. For all its seeming sophistication, the film seems to have a very nasty view of life. All the women are bitches and whores. The only person in the film that seems at all sympathetic is the Father whom we hardly see. I would say that there is a strong undercurrent of disgust toward women in this film. The other nasty thing is the attitude toward love. I seems that love is either impossible or doomed to be unhappy. The final song, in fact, has the refrain that, "there is no happy love." This is the attitude of someone who is unable to make a relationship work and who dislikes women. This is my personal view, and not everyone will agree with me. I could see someone saying it was a wonderful black comedy, but I would say it is a cynical and unreal view of life by a bitter and frustrated person.

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6 out of 10 people found the following comment useful :-
well worth seeing just for its "strangeness" factor, 19 April 2006

Author: planktonrules from Bradenton, Florida

While this isn't a great film, and at times it was just too "talky", I strongly admire the attempt by those involved to make something different. The movie is an odd blend of several types of films and the end result certainly is odd. Imagine taking an episode of MURDER SHE WROTE or an Agatha Christie novel as your basic plot. Then, combine it with the movie THE WOMEN--add a little sexual farce--then throw in a few really silly song and dance numbers and you get this movie! The songs are generally, very silly and in some cases sung by women who have no right singing on film--and that, to me, makes them even entertaining by their downright cheesiness.

The 8 Women happen to consist of the household where the only man, Marcel, is found dead. Which one of these women is responsible is unknown and from then on, the movie slowly unravels its many bizarre plot devices--bisexuality, incest, adultery,...you name it. While the film is in no way explicit, they certainly talk about a lot of vices so this isn't the best film for the kiddies! Interestingly enough, the producers for this French film must have "broken the bank" to secure the talents of so many famous and high-salary actresses. While only Catherine Deneuve will be known to the average American, several other cast members are among the top box office draws in France and includes Isabelle Huppert (who is, without a doubt, the funniest and best character among the 8), Emmanuelle Béart, Fanny Ardant and Danielle Darrieux (as the second funniest character). The other actresses, while less famous, equip themselves well in the movie.

Despite some lulls and a completely unbelievable plot, the movie keeps you guessing and is well worth finding. Certainly far from perfect, but fun nevertheless.

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