1986 Movie
Dir. Jean-Jacques Beineix · France · French
Artistic frustration is only temporarily sated by love in this erotic, supposedly psychological, drama
Betty Blue looks gorgeous. Of course, as an erotic film, there’s the beauty of the female form, but Jean-Jacques Beineix frames each moment in excellently lit, colorful frames, making each sunkissed scene a pleasure for the eyes. His approach, alongside that of Luc Besson and Leos Carax, have formed a movement titled Cinéma du look, and inspired plenty of films due to how gorgeous this style looks. But frankly, the style is the only thing that makes Betty Blue watchable, as the plot plays out with the usual aspiring artist, whose talents are recognized by stunning beauties that somehow turn insane for no reason and thus become future muses for their work. We’d hate to be that guy’s girlfriend.
A lackadaisical handyman and aspiring novelist tries to support his younger girlfriend as she slowly succumbs to madness.
"The movie was colorful and swirling and oppressive all at once, and in 1991, Beineix recut it not to slim it down but to add a florid third hour."
— David Edelstein
"Dalle, a model, makes a moving debut as the desperate baby-doll who fails to mold reality to her own conceptions of happiness. Anglade is more introvertedly affecting as the lucidly casual, but devoted Zorg."
— Variety Staff
In the beach town of Gruissan, aspiring novelist Zorg gets totally enamored with the younger, impulsive Betty, leading to a whirlwind romance. However, Betty starts to have violent mood swings, leading him to realize his girlfriend’s impending insanity.
It’s definitely unrealistic to have so many pretty women turn insane in late 20th century films, but the idea of it is so memorable because of how beautifully framed these women are. Béatrice Dalle is so striking in her debut, in part to Beineix’s direction, but also in part to how unhinged she can go… But there are better roles, better uses of her talent, than this.
Betty… You deserve better.
Oscars
1 nom
Golden Globes
1 nom
BAFTA
1 nom
César Awards
1 win · 8 noms
Isabella Endrinal is a curator at A Good Movie to Watch. She's now free from the corporate night shift. Previous articles have been published in outlets such as NANG Magazine. She's currently catching up on some classic films… if she isn't coping with the fact that the Haikyu anime will end soon.
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