From Anne Fontaine, writer/director of Coco Before Chanel, comes this lighthearted and lusty modern-day interpretation of Posy Simmonds' graphic novel based on Gustave Flaubert's 19th century novel, Madame Bovary. Although it may not live up to its literary aspirations, it features a charming performance by veteran actor Fabrice Luchini, and a very pretty setting in which to lose yourself.
The film begins with the misery of a relationship break-up and, thanks to a stolen diary, takes us back through the tumultuous events that led to this heartbreak.
The story is told from the perspective of Martin Joubert (Luchini), an ex-Parisian who, 10 years ago returned home to run his father's bakery in a sleepy provincial Norman village. When English couple Gemma (Arterton) and her furniture restorer husband, Charles Bovery (Flemyng), move in next door, he quickly introduces himself, charmed by the fact they have almost the same names as characters in Flaubert's novel, a story set around where they live.
Life imitates art as the romance of living in a leaking old farmhouse begins to wear off and a restless Gemma seeks comfort in the arms of a wealthy, young neighbour.
Martin, much to the amusement of his family, makes it his business to prevent Gemma from suffering the same fate as Madame Bovary, not that she can see the similarities.
Gemma Bovery isn't drama or an outright comedy, but stuck somewhere in-between. Part modern-day feminist tale, love story and plain quirky, it's Luchini's performance that keeps us engaged. His romantic and tragic perspective on events is much more humorous than reality, and the pastries and bread he whips up will have you salivating.
