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Betty Blue
1986
Zorg (Jean-Hugues Anglade) is a handyman working in France, maintaining and looking after a collection of beach bungalows. He lives a quiet and peaceful life, working diligently and writing in his spare time. One day Betty (Béatrice Dalle) walks into his life, a young woman who is as beautiful as she is wild and unpredictable. .. Read more
| Starring | Jean-Hugues Anglade, Béatrice Dalle, Gérard Darmon |
|---|---|
| Director | Jean-Jacques Beineix |
| Genres | Drama, World Cinema |
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Betty Blue
Zorg (Jean-Hugues Anglade) is a handyman working in France, maintaining and looking after a collection of beach bungalows. He lives a quiet and peaceful life, working diligently and writing in his spare time. One day Betty (Béatrice Dalle) walks into his life, a young woman who is as beautiful as she is wild and unpredictable. Suddenly, Betty's wild manners start to get out of control. Zorg sees the woman he loves slowly going insane. When their relationship turns to the worst, can his love prevail?
| Starring | Jean-Hugues Anglade, Béatrice Dalle, Gérard Darmon |
|---|---|
| Director | Jean-Jacques Beineix |
| Studio | COLUMBIA TRI-STAR HOME VIDEO |
| Run time | DVD: 2 hrs 58 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Drama, World Cinema |
| Language | DVD: French |
| Subtitles | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 29 Mar 2004 Production year: 1986 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews
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Blessed with a beautiful score by Gabriel Yared, this is the finest example of the type of French film known, rather snipingly, as cinéma du look. But the usual accusation of all style and no content simply can't be aimed at this Oscar-nominated return to form by Jean-Jacques Beineix after the ghastly Moon in the Gutter. The tragic relationship of Betty and Zorg is every bit as compelling as it is chic. Béatrice Dalle is unbelievably vibrant as the waitress living on the edge of her passions, and Jean-Hugues Anglade does well to keep up as the would-be novelist coping with her exhilarating highs and destructive lows.
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Most helpful member's review
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39 out of 40 people found this review helpful
I never give anything 5 stars
This might not be a good time to write a review, when it's very late into the night, and I've consumed a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon while watching Betty Blue for the 5th or 6th time.
No time for a practice, no editing, just shooting from the hip while the urge is there.
It just seems fitting to applaud this wonderful film immediatley, right now, in the impulsive spirit of Betty & Zorg, or the motivation to do so will be lost in tomorrow's sobriety.
This film is THE archetypal French film IMHO. I never give anthing 5 stars. But, as I'd rightly give a zero or 1 star rating to a naff film, surely my favourite French film ever must deserve max points?
It's got the lot. Eroticism yes, but also the matter-of-fact nudity that is normal in one's own home is just real life, isn't it? Or it might have been before you got old.
This film has sex, love, recklessness, impulsive behaviour, comedy, delightful non-PC lines ('cigarettes de Pedes') and classy Mercs, little French idiosyncrasies (the boiling pot awaiting Zorg's return, and the care needed to make coffee properly), tragedy, pathos, friendship, tolerance and heart-rending angst towards the end.
Just brilliant.
I tried the English subtitles, but the American accents were just horrbile. For me, the suggestion that these personnages could be Yanks truly appalled me. It doesn't work. The moment I switched back to French, the magic returned.
The Americans simply cannot make a film of this quality.
This is the one film that enticed me to French cinema. There are many in a similar style, but this is the best of the genre.
The plot?
Betty & Zorg are introduced in a passionate scene, in which every one of remembers, or pretends existed.
The slowly unwinding story follows their passionate beginnings, the usual rows, reconcilliations and adventures together.
Things change, they move from place to place, a deep love develops, but the relationship spirals tragically downwards as Betty becomes ill. Things get a little out of hand.
You thought the lady you love goes a bit OTT due to PMT? Betty is worse. Trust me.
Oh, what do I know? Just see it.
If you don't like it , then you have no heart at all. -
Most recent members' review
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3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
Classic
Along with 'Les Valseuses', 'Subway', 'Nikita', 'Diva' and 'A Bout De Souffle' this film confirms my passion for the pure quality of French Cinema. If you ever watch just one French film (apart from 'Amelie' of course) make it this one... light some candles, open a bottle of French wine and let Beineixs' genius take you on this journey of loneliness, ambition, dedication, friendship, passion, love and... well i'll leave some for you to discover! Did i mention, one of my favourite films ever, a true classic.
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