The great film critic Andrew Sarris, who introduced me to Ophuls's ravishing classic, has described “The Earrings of Madame De” (aka “Madame De”) as one of his “all-time favorite films,” along with another Max Ophuls' gem, “Lola Montes” (which has been resmastered and restored recently).
Sumptuous with its extravagantly decorative sets and costumes, emotionally heartbreaking as a literary and cinematic text, this tragic melodrama is staged in Max Ophuls' trademark style, marked by a subtle mise-en-scene, a deliriously swirling yet seamless camera movement, and superlative performance by Charles Boyer, Vittorio De Sica, and particularly Danielle Darrieux as the femme in between. In other words, this one-of-a-kind movie is flawless.
Oscar Alert
Oscar Nominations: 1
Costume Design (b/w): Georges Annenkov and Rosine Delamare
Oscar Context
In 1954, when the French film was eligible for Oscar nominations, the winner of the black-and-white costume design was Edith Head for Billy Wilder's “Sabrina,” in a contest that included Christian Dior for “Indiscretion of an American Wife,” Jean Louis for Cukor's comedy “It Should Happen to You,” and Helen Rose for the office melodrama “Executive Suite.”*
