Ruy Blas (2002)

Genre: historical drama
Director: Jacques Weber
Release: 2002
Studio: Arte France
Rating: -
MBiS score: 8.1/10


Love’s Ardour Tempered With Disgrace


Madrid, 1690. When he is banished from King Charles’ court for refusing to marry a lady-in-waiting, Don Salluste (Gérard Depardieu) submits to the royal order but remains defiant. Such an affront will carry a price, warns the nobleman, and Queen Maria (Carole Bouquet) will be the one to pay it. With Xavier Gallais (Ruy Blas, Don Salluste’s lackey), Jacques Weber (Don César, also known as Zafari, Don Salluste’s outlaw cousin), Jacques Sereys (Don Guritan) and Anne Suarez (Casilda).

As a movie buff, I have spent years avoiding theatrical dramas before bringing myself to watch one. If that's your case, then viewing this mostly accurate adaptation of a Victor Hugo play will serve as a grand introduction to stage plays.

Hugo’s plot in RUY BLAS is truly devilish, his dialogues sparkle with poetry and verve despite a few heavier passages and his character interaction rivals any by Shakespeare. Of course, you must not expect lushness from this made-for-TV film but its low-budget feel is compensated by a fine cast whose expressivity dazzled me. Gérard Depardieu and Carole Bouquet, two big names in French cinema, will grab your attention with very professional turns. Depardieu’s character is determined, fiendish and cruel; I found his way of luring Ruy Blas into his scheme especially despicable. Some may find Xavier Gallais less stellar but, in my book, he shines also in a pivotal role; after being humbled by fate, his character is offered redemption through love and, given such an opportunity, I would have been utterly overwhelmed. As for Jacques Weber, who doubles as director and actor, his Zafari brings a touch of cutthroat humour to the production. One more comment: I was really moved by one particular love scene, a duo so tender and sincere that I need not elaborate on it; once you reach it, you will surely know what I’m talking about.

When Shakespeare wrote ‘The play’s the thing’, he may have hinted at something else but his lapidary statement could easily apply to RUY BLAS. Do watch this tragic piece of French theatre, preferably with loved ones around you.


MBiS

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