Gerard Depardieu delivers a riveting (The New York Times)
performance as a man torn between ethereal beauty and earthy passion in this
hypnotic (Los Angeles Times) portrait of a most unusual love triangle. Winner
of five César Awards, including Best Picture, this witty, provocative tale
offers fresh insight into the old, old story of marital infidelity (Variety).
Bernard (Depardieu) has a stunningly gorgeous wife (Carole Bouquet), a
thriving career and two beautiful children. But his enviable life spirals out
of control when he falls madly in love with hisdecidedly plain secretary
(Josiane Balasko). Could it be possible that physical beauty is finally no
match for a woman who can touch a man's heart? 1990: Director, Actress
(Bouquet), Screenplay, Editing In the films of Bertrand Blier, love
is a virus that sends its victims on a feverish fling of impulsive passion
before leaving them abandoned and alone. The difference in Too Beautiful for
You is an empathy and warmth rarely seen in Blier's often cynical work. Gérard
Depardieu is the successful car dealer ambushed by Cupid when plain-looking
secretary Josiane Balasko clumps into the office. It seems to defy all reason,
how this frumpy, dumpy woman with eyes that caress lures Depardieu from
elegant wife Carole Bouquet, a woman so poised and perfect she's more trophy
than trophy wife, but love follows no reason. Neither does Blier's film, which
dances through fantasies and flashbacks with the abandon of a daydream. It
makes for a confusing story but a vivid experience, all passion and music and
joy and pain: love, in all its obsessive, destructive ecstasy. --Sean Axmaker