A Review Of The New Film "Cheri"

Michelle Pfeiffer's new film, "Cheri" is about an aging courtesan and her affair with the son of one of her former colleagues. Set during the height of the Belle Epoque in Paris the film is a visual delight. 

Poor Lea de Lonval's (Pfeiffer) customers have left her bed for the more youthful courtesans about town.  That leaves Lea with plenty of money but little meaningful companionship.

That is until her friend, Charlotte Peloux, a very funny Kathy Bates, hooks her up with her gadabout son Cheri (Rupert Friend).  He's nineteen and Lea's in her mid-forties.

The story is based on the novels "Cheri" and "The Last of Cheri" by Colette, and it's speculated that Colette's affair with her own stepson is what inspired the novels.

Of course since the film is a love story there are romantic complications, all played out under the watchful eyes of a disapproving society.

Pfeiffer is wonderful as usual and Friend is earnest and looks pretty--which is all he's really required to do.  The sets and costumes are impeccable, and the music and lighthearted narration are spot on.  The filmmakers have also smartly kept the running time of the film to a manageable ninety minutes. 

Does it pass my "Is it worth $10" test?  If you like period pieces, absolutely.  

"Cheri" opens tomorrow in limited release.