Buy 8 Women on DVD

8 Women

Universal / Year: 2002

DVD
Subtitled

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Synopsis

From director Francois Ozon (Criminal Lovers) comes this new confection. Catherine Deneuve, Isabelle Huppert, and Fanny Ardant star in this outrageous mystery about a wealthy industrialist who has been found murdered in his home while his family gathers for the holiday season. The house is isolated in a snow storm, the phone lines have been cut. Eight women are his potential murderers: His calculating wife, his two mischievous daughters, his meddling mother-in-law, his neurotic sister-in-law, his sexy sister, the faithful family cook and the sultry new maid. Each woman is a suspect. Each has a motive. Beautiful, tempestuous, intelligent, sensual, and dangerous... One of them is guilty. Which one is it?

Review

Francois Ozon has done his homework on bitchy Hollywood classics. With 8 Women, France's best gay director is all about All About Eve references and women who rule. A female-driven film without any Fried Green Tomatoes mush is a rarity in the movie world, but Ozon makes it work with the likes of Deneuve and Huppert at their showiest.

When a murder (of the only male in the film) occurs at a country estate, the eight women of the title all become suspect. Trying to figure out the details of the murder leads to many skeletons being released from many closets. Soap-operatic deception and even a little lesbian bonding create a playful atmosphere in the midst of some dark themes. Also, musical numbers performed by the women throughout the film add a touch of retro glamour to the proceedings. Using his ever-increasing clout, Ozon assembles the A-list of French actresses and has them delightfully chew up the scenery. The gowns, the beauty and the sassiness all channel the spirit of Bette Davis in this colorful work. (French with English subtitles)

--Mekado Murphy