Review of The Affair of the Necklace

Poor Countess de LaMotte Valois thinking she could be politically correct at the time of the reign of Louis XVI, in trying to restore her former title and status, just before the French Revolution. How did she pretend to outsmart a sly fox like the Cardinal to get her situation fixed and to get to keep the valuable necklace? Well, those diamonds actually prove to be her downfall from grace and to a fate far worse than keeping the good family name and making her name in court. Oh well, had Anita Loos told the story, maybe she could have found a way to have this woman having her cake and eating it as well. But it wasn't meant to be, as shown in this dark and beautifully photographed film. The costumes by Manela Canonero are authentic and gorgeous. We can even hear the sound of the silk in Dolby sound. The Marie Antoinette of Joely Richardson is completely blown out of proportion. Her diction and singing abilities are just ridiculous. Ms. Swank tries her best, but doesn't succed. Jonathan Pryce and Christopher Walken make the best of what they're given to play. At least they can keep their "heads" high after all was said and done in the name of the French Revolution.