La Dame aux camélias (1980)
Directed by Mauro Bolognini

Film Review

This sumptuous period drama from acclaimed Italian director Mauro Bolognini (the author of such memorable films as La Notte brava (1959) and Un bellissimo novembre (1969)) recounts the life of Alphonsine Plessis, the famous Parisian prostitute who was the inspiration for Alexandre Dumas fils' novel Camille and Guiseppi Verdi's opera La Traviata. Isabelle Huppert is well-chosen for the lead role and portrays Alphonsine as a vulnerable waif-like character who is constantly tormented by her ill health and her voracious sexual appetite.

Whilst La Dame aux camélias has some exquisitely poignant moments, it is weighed down by its languid pace and an over-abundance of detail.  Characters come and go in without having time to establish themselves and the heroine (despite a credible performance from Huppert) scarcely seems to develop in the course of her travails.

The film may be lacking in dramatic focus but it is a sumptuous production that can hardly fail to please the eye. Ornate sets and costumes provide an authentic depiction of the era in which the film is set, and there is a beautiful score from Ennio Morricone. The film will appeal most to those who are familiar with Dumas's Camille or Verdi's La Traviata and are interested in knowing the 'true story' behind these great works.

Film Synopsis

At a stage performance of Alexandre Dumas fils' celebrated novel Camille, an old man reflects on the events which provided the inspiration for the story.  He is Plessis, the father of Alphonsine, a celebrated courtesan who died five years ago from tuberculosis.  A country girl, Alphonsine was sold by her father to a neighbour before escaping to Paris to make a living as a seamstress and prostitute.  The wealthy Count Stackelberg adopts her after the death of his own daughter, and then she marries the Count Perregaux.  When she separates from her husband, Alphonsine returns to Paris and resumes her career as a prostitute, in spite of her declining health.