- Genre
- Drama
- Year
- 1958
- Runtime
- 1h34
0
Bonjour Tristesse
Passion and secrets shimmer beneath the Riviera sun.
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Synopsis
Bonjour Tristesse is a compelling 1958 drama directed by Otto Preminger, starring Deborah Kerr. Set against the sun-drenched backdrop of the French Riviera, the film explores the complex emotional lives of a charming widow, her free-spirited daughter, and the consequences of intertwined romantic entanglements. The story delves into themes of love, jealousy, and coming of age as the daughter navigates her relationships and the influence of an enchanting, sophisticated woman who enters their lives. The film elegantly portrays the tensions between youthful impulsiveness and mature restraint, set within an evocative atmosphere of elegance and intrigue.
Cast
Reviews
Bonjour Tristesse has garnered a range of responses from critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie enjoys an 88% approval rating, indicating generally positive reviews with particular praise often directed toward its stylish cinematography and Deborah Kerr's nuanced performance. Critics have noted the film’s lush visuals and the evocative mood it creates, which successfully capture the novel’s bittersweet tone. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 6.9/10, reflecting a mix of appreciation for its storytelling and some criticism for pacing and adaptation choices. Some reviewers from the era and later retrospectives have remarked on the film’s somewhat restrained emotional depth compared to the original source material but commend the subtlety and sophistication Otto Preminger brought to the direction. Metacritic does not list a score for this classic title, but through aggregations of user reviews and historical critiques, Bonjour Tristesse stands as a respected work within the romantic drama genre of the 1950s. Overall, it is regarded as a stylish and thoughtful adaptation with standout performances, particularly Kerr’s portrayal of a complex maternal figure.
