Merci Pour le Chocolat

Merci Pour le Chocolat
by Claude Chabrol

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DVD Reviews of Merci Pour le Chocolat

DVD Review: Both the "Chocolat" and the movie are good
Summary: 4 Stars

Many people have been rather harsh on this film, but, I found that I enjoyed it, and perhaps not for the same reasons other have. It's with this film the viewer is not only able to see how talented Chabrol is, but, also, we are able to see the way a movie should be constructed. The story-line may be difficult for some to follow but watch the execution in the delivery of suspense. The set-up is wonderful. The way Chabrol is creating more and more tension with each scene as it builds up for the climax is something all young filmmakers should see. And the choice of music play a major role as well.

I wanted to see this film when first released, but, never got around to it. One day I happened to stumble upon it on tv. It was the showtime woman's channel. I missed the very beginning of the movie but, as I say what caught my eye was the way Chabrol told the story, not necessarily what the story was about but the way things unfolded. I then was lucky enough to catch the film again, and this time watch it from the beginning.

Now, in it's opening moments I think many will get confused. The story is far fetched and that might turn off some viewers. I personally didn't like the way the situation was handled. Others may see it differently. But, once the story settles and we watch more and more of the film and sort of get a "hold" of what's going on I think many will enjoy the film greatly.

There are a few things going on in this movie so it's hard to explain the movie without spoiling it for everyone. I will try though. Isabelle Huppert plays Marie-Claire aka "Mika" Muller who has just married Andre Polonski (Jacques Dutronc). Polonski was married before and lost his wife in a suspicious car accident. His former wife also happened to be the best friend of his new wife. Now, in the first marriage Polonski had a child, Guillaume (Rodolphe Pauly). Many years later it is brought to our attention that perhaps there was a switch at the hospital. And Guillaume is not really his son but, he had a daughter, Jeanne Pollet (Anna Mouglalis)! Due to a switch at the hospital. And when Jeanne hears about this naturally she wants to meet Andre and find out what he thinks. Of course many of you are saying this all sounds too werid. But, give the film a chance to tell it's story.

"Merci pour le chocolat" is based on the novel "The Chocolate Cobweb" by Charlotte Armstrong, and was written by Caroline Eliacheff and Chabrol himself. For those who aren't familiar with Chabrol's films, fans feel his went into a slump in the late 70's and through the 80's. It wasn't until the 90's that Chabrol seemed to come back on track with films like "La Ceremonie", "The Swindle", and "L'Enfer". For those that are familiar with Chabrol's films I think that this is one of his best films. I feel no one will say this is better than "Le Boucher" or "Les Biches" but, if you enjoyed the suspense those films created than "Merci pour le Chocolat" is for you.

Bottom-line: One of Chabrol's best of recent years. A throwback to his earlier films. A wonderful example of how to build up suspense and capture an audience's interest. Young filmmakers need to watch this movie.

Description of Merci Pour le Chocolat