Storyline

In Marseilles, France in 1794, Desiree Clary, a young millinery clerk, becomes infatuated with Napoleon Bonaparte, but winds up wedding Genaral Jean-Baptiste Berandotte, an aid to Napoleon who later joins the forces that bring about the Emperor's downfall. Josephine Beauharnais, a worldly courtesan marries Napoleon and becomes Empress of France, but is then cast aside by her spouse when she proves unable to produce an heir to the throne.—alfiehitchie

Plot Keywords

emperor, french revolution, based on book, unrequited love, passion, officer, ambition, bridge, power, arranged marriage, love, epic, 18th century, historical event, one word title, scene based on painting, coronation, diary, character name as title, period drama

Short Review

Désirée is a lovely romance filled with unheard history.Director Henry Koster did a marvelous job bringing Annemarie Selinko's novel Désirée to life with his 1954 film of the same name. Koster captures her words and tells the life of Désirée Clary (Jean Simmons) and Napoleon Bonaparte (Marlon Brando) with an empathetic touch. You get to understand how she must have felt never finding love on her own terms, going from France to Sweden, and bouncing from royal posturing ball to ball. Désirée is a brilliant biopic with the most thoughtful script. It is ahead of its time in its female perspective on love, life, and diplomacy during tumultuous times in France. From the most extravagant set design, beautiful period costumes, and vibrant colors, Désirée is one of the most lovely films ever captured for the big screen. We are treated by lavish scenes, balls, and gowns galore. Visually, there is no comparison to Désirée. The only other movie I have ever seen like it may be Sofia Coppola's treatment for Marie Antoinette, which I must imagine may have been influenced by Désirée.Furthermore, the acting is top tier work from the spirited Jean Simmons, who is as witty as she is gorgeous. She radiates a royalty like her character's own status. Simmons captures her willfulness as well as her charm. Désirée is elevated as a whole by her realistic depiction of a lady at the time that wishes for her own agency.Similarly, Marlon Brando plays Napoleon with a callous fervor. He stands with Napoleon's signature lean. Brando forces his voice to sound both severe and faint, giving his Napoleon an air of superiority and sincerity. He makes great use of the surrounding props from hats, boxes, swords, crowns, and characters alike. Brando shows off his most subtle and earnest performance, then switches to a boisterous rage revealing Napoleon's wrath. It is a brilliantly executed display of acting. Brando is as quality as in any of his classic roles. He is at home as the tyrant Napoleon.Lastly, to accompany the stellar direction, gorgeous outfits, endearing performances, and great writing, Alex North delivers a refined classical score that is quite breathtaking from the first note. It is filled with romantic sentiments and glory seeking French themes. North demonstrates his versatility as a composer with Désirée's score.Overall, Henry Koster crafted a very sweet romance and a thoroughly engaging biopic of Désirée. It is still worth a watch!

Trailer

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