The Night of Varennes (1982)

Sorry, this movie sucks

It’s an especially fun movie from a director and cast who are clearly having a good time allowing themselves to let loose.

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

After having been annoyed by the candy cane music video of Coppola's "Marie Antoinette," I went in search of this film again. I had remembered liking "La Nuit de Varennes" when it came out, but 25 years later it looks much, much better.A hostile person once defined French film as people saying wounding things to each other for an hour and a half, then somebody dies of cancer or a gunshot. This film redeems the stereotype, as people say wounding things to each other for over two hours and nobody dies (on camera, anyway). Imagine "Stagecoach" with politics instead of Catholic redemption, then add a solid, witty script and great acting. Veterans Barrault and Mastroianni give canny, memorable performances and everybody else is just fine.If your model for the movies is the roller-coaster or the video game, you will scream in agony. If you would prefer not to be insulted, this film will be balm for the soul. Since the powers that be have decreed that this film shall fall between the cracks, it's worth a little research to find it on DVD. Google "That Night in Varennes" and check the first dozen results. It's the best we can do until the delinquent owners of the film come to their senses.

A wonderful, literate film for adults which plays with history, and the idea of power and its trappings. It imagines what would happen if contemporary celebrities at the time of The French Revolution found themselves together in a coach following the fugitive king. In fact, it's a road movie, but unlike any other one you've seen. Witty dialogue, great performances and top-notch production values make this a classic--one of those movies that you can't see could be improved, because everything is so right. If you enjoyed 'Ridicule', you'll enjoy this. I can't recommend it highly enough, and I only wish I could find a copy on DVD.

One of the most satisfying films I've seen. A bit obtuse but very well done if you are fond of tongue in cheek humor, outstanding portrayals, great direction and cinematography.The short version: This a whimsy that follows an aging Casanova and an eclectic group of Frenchmen as they travel through the French countryside in a coach during the time of the French Revolution. It's a comedy presented with delicacy and intellect and the cinematography is outstanding. It may or may not strike you as outstanding, as it did me, but it is so worth the time it will take to find it and see it two or three times.I just read the first posted review and had to laugh out loud. Aw shucks yawl, if it's so bad, why are copies on VHS selling for $300 to $400? I lost my copy to a friend who borrowed many times and never returned anything. Shame on her.If anyone knows where I can find a copy on VHS to dub, I'd be so appreciative. Thanks and do take a peek. "[email protected]".

Few people have probably heard of this French film. Yet, it is a masterpiece. Some great actors brought this story of classical art cinema alive. The historical moment depicted is the period just after the French Revolution. Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette are making a final attempt to escape - they flee from Paris. Historical characters (Casanova, Restif de la Bretonne) and imagined characters are all joined by a trip in a stagecoach. This is an opportunity for us to discover different mentalities of the 18th century. Each character sees the French Revolution differently, but the viewer can sense its uselessness, the suffering it brought by tearing a whole world apart.