A quiet film based on a novel by Simenon

Betty (1992) directed by Claude Chabrol

Chabrol's true representations of women have made him a "cineaste des femmes".Betty signifies a change of pace for Chabrol as after years of thrillers,he has made a quiet film.Betty is a unique tale of a troubled bourgeois woman who felt that she could drown her sorrows in alcohol. Chabrol has accurately adapted Simenon novel as everything appears in a flashback.He has made it clear that he has not created neither a psychological portrait nor a moralistic drama.Betty is a collection of sharp obeservations on bourgeois life.She is a victim of circumstances as destiny did not favour her.Although,her marriage was based on love it didn't succeed as she was sceptical of it from the beginning.What she really wanted was companionship.Betty and Laure share a strange friendship built on mutual trust and respect.Betty's heartrending tale confirms that no woman will ever leave her family unless something tragic happens to her.

Music lovers and food lovers play an important role.

Babettes Gæstebud (1987) directed by Gabriel Axel

This is a very nice Danish film by Gabriel Axel. It will surely please not only music lovers but also the connoisseurs of fine food. The major events take place in Jutland where two sisters are learning music from a Frenchman. Apart from music one of them also experiences disappointment linked to first love. There is brief mention of religion too as the filmmaker has showed some pious church goers.For these people the life is very serene and they don't know that it is going to change after the arrival of a master cook.This role is played by a charming French actress: Stephane Audran. She prepares a very excellent meal for her master in which all the village are invited. It is a joy to watch simple village folk enjoying tasty gourmet coupled with marvelous wines and champagne. So all you music and food lovers gear up. This is a film you are likely to cherish for a long, long, long time.