It has to be made clear that the masterpiece of Max Ophüls (Madame de 1953 with Danielle Darrieux, Charles Boyer and Vittorio de Sica) is way above this french TV production. Nevertheless Carole Bouquet offers a convincing portrait of a futile aristocratic wife who discovers love between a young Italian diplomat and an old general (her husband). This discovery will cost her her life and the question remains at the end : who really knows about love? The proud Italian? The forgiving general? The dying wife? Who knows. Jean-Pierre Marielle is - a usual - a very thoughtful actor giving to his character an authenticity and even a touch of humor. Simply marvelous! The color is also a plus compared to the 1953 version as the characters evolve in splendid environments (palaces, gardens, ballrooms, elaborate stairs and rich interiors.
