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The Story of Adele H, 1975
This film is not a Hugo adaptation. I listed it anyway because I didn't know where else to put it. It tells the story of Hugo's daughter Adele's obsessive and destructive love for British lieutenant Pinson. The story takes off when she arrives in Halifax and ends with a narrative voice describing her journey home, Hugo's funeral and her own destiny. It's a sad story, as was Adeles life, and if you're used to Hollywood productions, you'll find this one very European.
Some nice details; the opening graphics are the artwork of Hugo, when Adele shows Mrs Saunders her family album, it contains actual images of the Hugo family on Guernsey and there are also location shots from Hauteville House. A less nice detail is the portrayal of Adeles care-taker on Barbados, Madame Baa. I don't think that the production team took in consideration, when casting, that Hugo actually "had his way with her" when she visited Paris. I doubt he would have taken any interest in Madame Baa as she appears in this film.
Isabelle Adjani is a wonderful actress and Robinson's Pinson is perfectly cold and sleazy. Although I found the ending a bit sudden and leaving a lot of question marks, I think it's a great film. I have it on DVD and as many older films converted to this format, it lacks extra material besides a theatrical trailer. Nevertheless, you won't regret buying it!
Released
1975
Director
Francois Truffaut
Cast
Isabelle Adjani
(Adele Hugo)
Bruce Robinson
(Lieutenant Pinson)
Sylvia Marriott |