DVD Review: Flower of Evil (B)

Flower of Evil (2003)
Directed by Claude Chabrol
Starring Benoit Magimel, Nathalie Baye, Melanie Doutey, Suzanne Flon
MPAA: R
Grade: B

Review by Scott Standish

I hate to admit this, but here goes: this was my first Chabrol. Claude Chabrol is perhaps one of the most popular French directors of all time and it's a darn shame that I have missed so many of his films. Flower of Evil has peaked my interest in his other films.

Flower of Evil tells the story of Anne Charpin-Vasseur, a wife and mother that is running for Mayor. A pamphlet is released to the public from an anonymous source that details a shady past for the entire family. Her husband is against her running for office in the first place, so the entire fiasco sends the family into turmoil. Her son comes home from America and immediately immerses himself into the family's drama.

Flower of Evil has received some mixed reviews, but perhaps Chabrol is a victim of his past: critics may expect too much from him because of his past successes. Flower of Evil is an excellent drama, with fine performances.

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