A wealthy businessman, member of the "haute bourgeoisie", becomes ill with what seems like food poisoning. As his condition deteriorates, he begins to suspect his wife from poisoning him deliberately. In between ever more atrocious bouts of delirium and pain he reflects on an uneven and ill-advised marriage...
"Bébé Donge", based on a book by Simenon, is both a thriller and a tragedy. It is an indictment of those humans who marry quickly and stupidly, without taking the time to study their prospective partner closely and to ask the fundamental questions : what do you expect from life, what do you expect from marriage, what do you expect from me ? Do you actually like me ? It is also an indictment of those fools who encourage that kind of behaviour, amidst many a cry of "love will come later" or "you will have all the time in the world in which to get acquainted".
While not a feminist tract, the movie also has some insightful things to say about the age-old double standard. (You know what I mean : a woman should be a timid virgin before marriage and, later on, a faithful wife, but a man - whatever his age or condition - can jump whatever moves him. And his wife shouldn't get all weird about it, because he's a good provider.)
A dark, sombre movie, but well worth a watch, with a Gabin and a Darrieux on fire.
"Bébé Donge", based on a book by Simenon, is both a thriller and a tragedy. It is an indictment of those humans who marry quickly and stupidly, without taking the time to study their prospective partner closely and to ask the fundamental questions : what do you expect from life, what do you expect from marriage, what do you expect from me ? Do you actually like me ? It is also an indictment of those fools who encourage that kind of behaviour, amidst many a cry of "love will come later" or "you will have all the time in the world in which to get acquainted".
While not a feminist tract, the movie also has some insightful things to say about the age-old double standard. (You know what I mean : a woman should be a timid virgin before marriage and, later on, a faithful wife, but a man - whatever his age or condition - can jump whatever moves him. And his wife shouldn't get all weird about it, because he's a good provider.)
A dark, sombre movie, but well worth a watch, with a Gabin and a Darrieux on fire.