César award for best actress
I find it interesting that Huppert won over Bonnaire that year. While Huppert was clearly supporting, I also thought that Bonnaire had a meatier role and gave a better performance overall. What are your thoughts?
shareI think it was probably a political thing. Bonnaire had won twice before, while Huppert had been around for a decade longer and had never claimed the big prize. I agree that she should probably have been classed as supporting, and also would probably agree that Bonnaire was maybe a little stronger, but I'm not complaining that she finally got some recognition. She was great.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiYF7pUPuFs
I think it's strange that Isabelle won only once and for a movie which wasn't entirely built around her (as they usually are). But she and Sandrine are definitely co-leads; she ain't supporting in any possible way. As previously stated, Bonnaire had already a Best Actress C�sar + one for Best Newcomer. At Venice they awarded the conjoined duo with a Volpi Cup and I have no objection about it, since Sandrine is also one of my favourites. But personally I agree with Isabelle's win. This is basically a Rendell/Chabrol retelling of the maids: Sophie is Solange and Jeanne is Claire. And Claire will always be the great, show-stealing role. Both parts are difficult to play, as the Sophie character requires a very understated, subtle acting style. But it's actually Jeanne who sets the screen on fire on me. It was the same in the 1975 version of "The Maids", where Susannah York totally overshadowed Glenda Jackson.
You know what's an interesting coincidence? Huppert is currently playing Solange in a production of "The Maids" opposite Cate Blanchett as Claire.