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Madame Bovary | Review

Once again transitioned to film, Gustave Flaubert’s novel Madame Bovary is perfect base material for Australia’s Mia Wasikowska to portray young Emma who is in desperate need for attention, love and excitement in her seemingly dull life as a farm girl. Attracted to the intuition in others, the strong-willed and persistent character of Emma marries doctor Charles Bovary, and relocates with him to a small town in Normandy in search of a ‘better’ life. But Emma soon realises the common theme of ‘the grass isn’t always greener on the other side’ and becomes bored with her life.

Ezra Miller stars as Leon in 'Madame Bovary'. Copyright 2015 Transmission Films
Ezra Miller stars as Leon in ‘Madame Bovary’. Copyright 2015 Transmission Films

The need for excitement stirs something within Emma, and she acquaints herself with Monsiuer Lheureax, a seller of very fine things indeed. On a mission for more excitement and sexual liberation, she ‘makes acquaintance’ with two other people in the town, played by Ezra Miller and Logan Marshall-Green. Set in the late 19th century, the need for feminism was apparent, with women expected to be the sidearm of their husband’s lives; something that did not sit well for Emma.

The film’s exquisite costumes are definitely something to gawk at through the entirety of the film, with sets also impeccably decorated to match the 19th century. Though the pacing is slow, the story of Emma and her search for an interesting life does makes for a good time at the cinema. The ending however sort of puts the viewer in a “that’s it?” state of mind, as it just cuts off abruptly; but that’s the beauty of cinema I guess.

 

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