In Secret (2014)

one of adaptations who reminds, in inspired manner, not only the universe of novel but, more important, its spirit. the atmosphere, the impeccable performances, the costumes and dark Paris and the delicate way to suggest the entire tension of a run to happiness. for the not admirer of Zola, a correct film, using each step of a portrait of West Europe în XIX century, from Jane Eyre to David Copperfield or Madame Bovary. but the difference is made, first, for the science to use each detail defining her character by Jessica Lange. for the art of Elizabeth Olsen to give to Therese more than traits of poor victim but admirable mix of discover of real world, love and profound vulnerability. and this fact did "In secret" a good film.

I thought from the trailer that this was going to be a very passionate tale about a girl stuck with a horrific husband who falls for his best friend and a murder is then committed and covered up but that we would still be rooting for the lovers. Now that was pretty much what it was about but i just expected a lot more passion than there actually was and her husband wasn't horrific at all he was actually a really nice guy who is very unwell. Now i did feel for Therese getting stuck with marrying her sickly cousin but the outcome was undeserved and rather sad but yeah i know that is the point and that is the reason the story goes where it goes, however I definitely didn't end up rooting for the lovers. They actually ended up really annoying me when their relationship turned so quickly. The film did manage to powerfully support the saying 'be careful what you wish for' though. I won't lie, i mostly just watched this for Oscar Isacc and yes he is good as usual but also a bit bland as is Elizabeth Olson. Jessica Lange started off well but she then started overacting just like she did during her last stint on American Horror Story, Shirley Henderson was also very irritating. Definitely worth a watch though if you enjoy period dramas but this probably won't be one that i revisit. I will however be reading the book at some point in the hope of finding the passion that i expected to be present.

Is Emile Zola's novel, Therese Raquin, in the public domain? With a dozen silent, sound and TV productions one would think the last word had been beaten out of it by now but back it comes in this sluggish bore probably made on the cheap in Serbia by a hack taking his swing (and missing by a country mile) at the big time featuring a tired scenery chewing performance by Jess Lange so abrasive you can almost hear her teeth grinding.Therese (Liz Olson) in a loveless arranged marriage to her sickly cousin Camille (Tom Felton) is bored, emotionally abused and sexually unfulfilled living in the country. When the opportunity to re-locate in Paris presents itself her heart soars but the frustration dynamic remains upon arrival, wiling her days away in a drab shop, her nights spent watching Madame Raquin (Lange) and friends play dominoes. When an old friend of Camille's, Laurent (Oscar Issac) makes the scene the passion amps up and tragedy awaits.In its rather shapeless telling director Mike Stratton mutes In Secret's power with sluggish pacing and tepid desire from his star crossed lovers in passionate moments as he pays lip service to censors with self conscious compositions that render most scenes with a stiffness and restraint.As Therese, Olson is wide eyed, dull and out of her depth, stretching little as she goes from innocent to cold conspirator. Oscar Issac gives a spot on imitation of Tony Bennett at times and that's part of the problem. He's more Rat Pack than 19th Century gentleman. Lange starts strong but soon veers into screeching ham in no time. In addition a group of minor supporting characters (the domino crowd) move en masse about the film like a gaggle of geese with insipid self importance and disapproving glances.Standing on it's own In Secret flaccidly fails on all levels. When compared to the 1980 television version featuring the powerfully passionate performances of Kate Nelligan and Bryan Cox with the redoubtable Mona Washburne turning in a wonderfully measured performance as Madame Raquin it looks more like a community theatre production.

In Secret (2013) is a French film directed by Charlie Stratton, who also wrote the screenplay. The movie is based on a play, which, in turn, was based on Emile Zola's novel Thérèse Raquin. The film is set in 1860's Paris. (Filmed in Belgrade, where the narrow shop-lined streets still exist.) Elizabeth Olsen plays the title character. She is an orphan, raised by her aunt with the primary purpose of providing her cousin with a suitable wife. Her cousin Camille, played well by Tom Felton, is sickly and inadequate in many ways, including his sexual abilities. Thérèse finds herself trapped in a marriage that's not only loveless, but also sexless. She lives with her husband in the same household with her domineering mother- in-law Madame Raquin, played by Jessica Lange.Into the mix comes the handsome Lauent (Oscar Isaac). The sexual attraction between Laurent and Thérèse is instant and demands consummation. That's the basic plot. Whether you enjoy the rest of the movie depends on your thoughts about what happens after Thérèse and Laurent meet.I liked this film on several levels. It looks and feels real--we know this isn't Paris, and the shop owned by Madame Raquin is a set, but they have an authentic feel to them.The actors are all seasoned professionals, and they perform extremely well. And, the plot--while not exactly original--captures your interest and attention to the end.We saw this movie at the excellent Little Theatre in Rochester. It will work better on the large screen than the small, but it will still be worth seeing on DVD. I recommend it.