The (five) characters in "Les Parents Terribles" never stop talking for a second. Sure, some of the talk is interesting, and all of it is very well acted, but it's quite exhausting. You get no respite from the talk, talk, talk. A few cinematic touches by Jean Cocteau cannot camouflage the fact that you are basically watching filmed theater; the film is based on Cocteau's own play and takes place entirely in four or five rooms, with no external shots whatsoever. There are some strong moments. **1/2 out of 4.
Plot summary
In bliss, young Michel announces to his parents, Yvonne and Georges, that he wishes to marry Madeleine, the love of his life. However, his parents are appalled: possessive Yvonne can't stand the thought of losing the apple of her eye, and Georges, too, who has a skeleton in the closet, opposes this union. And, as if that weren't enough, Aunt Léonie steps in to lend them a hand. Can love survive with such terrible parents?
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.BLU 1080p.BLU 827.26 MB
988*720
French 2.0
NR
Movie Reviews
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One of the talkiest films ever made
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The caravan continues on its way.
Jean Cocteau wrote his play in 1938. After many trials and tribulations which were too numerous to be listed here he finally staged a hugely successful production with his ideal cast in 1946. He committed that production to celluloid in 1948 with the same cast. The superlative framing, revealing close ups and unusual camera angles, including overhead, from Michel Kelber, sparingly used score by Georges Auric and ensemble playing of the highest quality must make this a leading contender for the title 'best filmed play'. Yvonne de Bray, the original dedicatee , Gabrielle Dorziat, Marcel Andre, Jean Marais and Josette Day all perform their roles with the same energy as they would within the proscenium arch but still succeed in remaining filmic. None of these actors are exactly strangers to the camera of course. A magnificent piece of theatre thankfully immortalised on film. Here Cocteau has also included the centuries old ritual of 'les trois coups' prior to the curtain rising; a truly wonderful theatrical tradition. Jean Marais came full circle in the late 1970's when he directed this play and took the part of the father.
Reviewed by
One of the talkiest movies ever made
The (five) characters in "Les Parents Terribles" never stop talking for a minute. Sure, some of the talk is interesting, and all of it is very well acted, but it's quite exhausting. You get no respite from the talk, talk, talk. A few cinematic touches by Jean Cocteau cannot camouflage the fact that you are basically watching filmed theater; the film is based on Cocteau's own play and takes place entirely in four or five rooms, with no external shots whatsoever. There are some strong moments. **1/2 out of 4.