Review of Madame Bovary

Madame Bovary (1975)
Probably no finer adaptation of a classic novel
15 February 2003
Warning: Spoilers
I couldn't but marvel that this British mini-series adaptation of Flaubert's novel hadn't been commented upon. Francesca Annis was unquestionably the definitive Emma Bovary, and casting as a whole was impeccable. I remember watching this on Masterpiece Theatre, and being captivated (and aroused) by the impassioned fervor for life Annis imparts to the character. And Tom Conti was an idea Dr. Bovary, far better than Van Heflin in the Hollywood version of the novel.

I haven't seen every adaption of this book, but I'd be very surprised to learn that this one wasn't far and away the best. It ended with Emma on her deathbed, imagining herself as a young girl, chasing a butterfly, that somehow just eludes her.
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