Rent Madame De. (1953)

A true classic - Madame De. review by PT

Regarded as one of best films ever made. A study of the upper classes and Madame De... in particular. This is cinema art at it's best. The cinematography is outstanding, long takes, sequence shots, Madame De passing behind objects as the camera still follows her, revealing the workings of her world in doing so. The ultra beautiful Danielle Darrieux gives one of cinemas most memorable performances in the title role, her magnetism is addictive. If you love art house cinema, this film is as the critics say, one of the best ever made. A MUST see for cinema buffs.

Very enjoyable - Madame De. review by MR

A charming film, very sensitively acted. After watching it, it is well worth viewing the two lots of 'extras' - interviews with many of the people involved in the making of the film, who are full of fascinating information, and which will definitely enhance your appreciation. How handsome is Vittorio de Sica, and how beautiful is the art and costume design.

Earrings, Detours, and a Perfectly Polished Trap - Madame De. review by griggs

Honestly, it’s one of those films that knows it’s clever and still gets away with it. It keeps looping, stalling, and taking little detours — like it’s teasing you: “Go on then, keep up.”

Most of all, it’s the camera. It glides around like it’s at the ball, eavesdropping and nudging people into trouble before slipping away.

The earrings change hands like a cursed love letter, and every time they reappear you feel the pressure rise — pride, honesty, dignity, all quietly traded away.

But here’s my problem: straight after watching it, I’m more dazzled than moved. All that sleight of hand has me admiring the trick rather than feeling the punch. I suspect this is one I need to watch again — not because it’s unclear, but because it’s too smooth, and I want to see what it’s been palming while I was looking at the shine.