80
Metascore
20 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 88Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertWhat is fascinating about Ridicule is that so much depends on language, and so little is really said.
- 88Chicago TribuneMichael WilmingtonChicago TribuneMichael WilmingtonIt's a thrillingly malicious visit, a gorgeous period drama. [06 Dec 1996, p.A]
- 80The A.V. ClubKeith PhippsThe A.V. ClubKeith PhippsRidicule convincingly establishes a sense of dread that comes with living in constant fear of public humiliation. And, though it's set in the past, its depiction of wealth-bloated politicians who maintain a wide gulf between actions and rhetoric seems timeless.
- 80The New York TimesJanet MaslinThe New York TimesJanet MaslinAs written by Remi Waterhouse, who draws on real historical detail here, Ridicule satirizes this world of absurd protocol while it proves that skewering fatuousness and snobbery, however obviously, is never out of style.
- 75ReelViewsJames BerardinelliReelViewsJames BerardinelliFor those who appreciate movies with a bite, Ridicule shows its teeth early and keeps them razor-sharp throughout.
- 75San Francisco ChronicleEdward GuthmannSan Francisco ChronicleEdward GuthmannWith a surgeon's precision and trenchant wit, director Patrice Leconte slices open the French upper classes of the late 18th century and reveals the black, wilting heart beneath the pomp and pretense.
- 75San Francisco ExaminerSan Francisco ExaminerWhat the story lacks in tension, Waterhouse's writing and Leconte's direction make up for in entertainment.
- 67Austin ChronicleMarjorie BaumgartenAustin ChronicleMarjorie BaumgartenDirector Patrice Leconte (The Hairdresser's Husband, Monsieur Hire) again displays his keen observation of the minute details that transpire between people, though Ridicule doesn't share the same mordant perversity as his previous American successes. It does prove that certain games that people play never go out of fashion.
- 60Time OutTime OutRather deliberately paced, and mired in archaic and abstruse puns, the film is perhaps more interesting than enjoyable. Still, Leconte's customary zest and mordant humour are there, lurking behind the claustrophobic production design and free-spirited camerawork.