Arte is releasing Patrice Chérault’s feature film La Reine Margot this evening, starring the wonderful Isabelle Ajan and the impeccable Daniel Otiu in Henri de Navarre’s film. But which version were you watching?
La Reine Margot is set during the 16th century Wars of Religion and tells the story of the arranged and unhappy marriage between Marguerite de Valois, known as “Queen Margot” and Henri de Navarre.
And in fact, Patrice Shero’s feature film has almost as many versions as Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner. The version, originally screened at the Cannes Film Festival in May 1994 and simultaneously released in all French cinemas, finished on time and in 159 minutes.
This relatively rare length at the time was highlighted in the criticism of the film that international distributor Miramax decided to cut 16 minutes, reducing La Reine Margot to 143 minutes. This edit, although “international”, was released in French cinemas in December 1994, seven months after the original release of the feature film.
Years later, during the DVD release of the film, Patrice Chereau edited a “director’s cut” that reduced the film to 154 minutes, almost its original length. But it wasn’t until 2013 that the feature film was finally restored in 4K with a 154-minute final cut, close to the original version presented at Cannes, with several additional scenes and more music.

It is this final version that you will see tonight on Arte, as the channel has decided to show the final restored version and the closest to the original cut. The version shown in Cannes since 1994 has remained difficult to see.
for further
Recall that the story of La Reine Margot was already adapted in 1954 with director Jean Draville starring Jeanne Moreau and Armando Francioli in the story of Joseph Lerac de la Moll, played by Vincent Pérez in the 1994 version. In particular, you can see Louis de Funes before he was known.

The latter also left the 1995 Cesar with 5 prizes out of 12 nominations: Best Actress. Isabelle AjanBest Supporting Actor for Jean-Hugues Angled, Best Supporting Actress for Virna Lisi, Best Cinematography for Philippe Rousselot and Best Costumes for Moidele Bickel.
A great harvest that began at the Cannes Film Festival, where La Reine Margot left the jury prize and the best actress prize for Virna Lisi.
Source: Allocine

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.