Corsage

IFC Films | Release Date: December 23, 2022

6.3	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 26 Ratings

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TVJerryJan 12, 2023

Vicky Krieps plays Empress Elisabeth of Austria in the late 1800s. In this fictional account, she decides to rework her public image to maintain her rep for beauty and youth. The real question is…what's the point of this movie? Krieps does aVicky Krieps plays Empress Elisabeth of Austria in the late 1800s. In this fictional account, she decides to rework her public image to maintain her rep for beauty and youth. The real question is…what's the point of this movie? Krieps does a commendable job of creating this unhappy, eccentric character, but there's no plot…just a string of unrelated rebellious events. Her dresses are lovely and it's always fun to see the sumptuous life of the aristocracy, but there's no conflict or catharsis to make this more than a string of culturally defiant events.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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Brent_MarchantJan 19, 2023

An old saying wisely maintains “Don’t believe everything you read in the newspapers.” It’s an expression aptly accompanied by a contemporary counterpart that says “Don’t believe everything you see in the movies.” That’s especially true forAn old saying wisely maintains “Don’t believe everything you read in the newspapers.” It’s an expression aptly accompanied by a contemporary counterpart that says “Don’t believe everything you see in the movies.” That’s especially true for historical biopics, such as this fictionalized account of a year in the life of Empress Elisbeth of Austria (1837-1898), who also doubled as Queen of Hungary, a film that incorporates events that are complete and total fabrications. While writer-director Marie Kreutzer makes no attempt to conceal the fictitious nature of this picture, the fusion of elements that faithfully reflect the character of the real-life figure with this movie’s outright tall tales seriously muddies the waters, creating a mélange of misinformation that many viewers (especially those unfamiliar with the life of the protagonist) are nevertheless likely to interpret as gospel truth. On top of that, the film clumsily mixes Nineteenth Century elements with Twentieth Century influences, particularly in the soundtrack (I’m sure Empress Elisabeth was a big fan of the Rolling Stones’ As Tears Go By). While the narrative sincerely aims to spotlight the severe restrictions placed on women of the era (symbolized here by the compulsive fashion requirement of wearing a corset (or a “corsage,” as they say in German)), that point is often undercut by the liberties the story takes when it comes to portraying the events and culture of the time. Also, in its attempt to present a detailed character study about the often-restless, unpredictable monarch, the film tries to tackle too many of the empress’s eccentricities, personal attributes and social outlooks, frequently yielding a meandering storyline that jumps around far too much for its own good. These thematic ambitions could have just as easily been addressed by playing it straight rather than veering off into fabricated fantasies and needless truth stretching, deviations that undermine the legitimacy of the picture’s intents. To its credit, the period piece production values are exquisite, and the film provides an excellent showcase for Vicky Krieps in the lead role. But there are so many other aspects of this release that are just plain “off” that it’s difficult to recommend it as anything that should be taken seriously, a disappointment in light of the underlying heartfelt statement that it’s attempting to make.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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JLuis_001May 3, 2023

As the saying goes, even if the cage is made of gold, it is still a cage and that is the reality of the story Corsage is telling.

The story of Empress Elisabeth of Austria is one in which the social structure of power and royalty hasAs the saying goes, even if the cage is made of gold, it is still a cage and that is the reality of the story Corsage is telling.

The story of Empress Elisabeth of Austria is one in which the social structure of power and royalty has isolated her.
She no longer has duties to perform but must still abide by the rules. From maintaining her physical stability to not doing anything that might scandalize people, she is forced to shut herself away in a monotonous and insipid life.

The functionality of the film in that regard falls entirely on the performance of its lead actress Vicky Krieps because its structure and tone has very few variables.

Everything rests on the leading figure, her emotions and her personality. The things that push her more and more as she is contained by what is thrust upon her. And as I said by not having much variety in its composition and context it may seem like the film doesn't offer much outside of its character study, but to me that is precisely the foundation upon which the film is built and therefore that is how it should unfold and ultimately work.

Had it been otherwise this film would have become something very different, disrupting its main design and in my opinion undermining it, but that's just my opinion. I still think it's a good film.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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