Ridicule

Time Out by

Rather deliberately paced, and mired in archaic and abstruse puns, the film is perhaps more interesting than enjoyable. Still, Leconte's customary zest and mordant humour are there, lurking behind the claustrophobic production design and free-spirited camerawork.

San Francisco Chronicle by Edward Guthmann

With a surgeon's precision and trenchant wit, director Patrice Leconte slices open the French upper classes of the late 18th century and reveals the black, wilting heart beneath the pomp and pretense.

ReelViews by James Berardinelli

For those who appreciate movies with a bite, Ridicule shows its teeth early and keeps them razor-sharp throughout.

The New York Times by Janet Maslin

As written by Remi Waterhouse, who draws on real historical detail here, Ridicule satirizes this world of absurd protocol while it proves that skewering fatuousness and snobbery, however obviously, is never out of style.

The A.V. Club by Keith Phipps

Ridicule convincingly establishes a sense of dread that comes with living in constant fear of public humiliation. And, though it's set in the past, its depiction of wealth-bloated politicians who maintain a wide gulf between actions and rhetoric seems timeless.

Austin Chronicle by Marjorie Baumgarten

Director Patrice Leconte (The Hairdresser's Husband, Monsieur Hire) again displays his keen observation of the minute details that transpire between people, though Ridicule doesn't share the same mordant perversity as his previous American successes. It does prove that certain games that people play never go out of fashion.

Chicago Tribune by Michael Wilmington

It's a thrillingly malicious visit, a gorgeous period drama. [06 Dec 1996, p.A]

Chicago Sun-Times by Roger Ebert

What is fascinating about Ridicule is that so much depends on language, and so little is really said.