Donkey Skin (1970; Peau d’âne) is directed by Jacques Demy and apparently was his most successful movie in France, a lavish fairytale starring Catherine Devenue. In contrast to modern fairytales that rely on CGI to create a world of fantasy, this is very old school in its approach, filmed exteriors at an actual castle and interior sets that feel very theatrical. The way actors walk in and out of scenes at times feels like a pantomime but there’s such care and detail paid to the set design and the costuming: from the white fluffy cat chair the king sits on to the paiges and horses all painted blue to the various dazzling dresses and gowns Devenue wears. This is also an odd, strange tale that originates from the classic story (adapted from Charles Perrault) itself where the King (Jean Marais – whose casting I didn’t realise was a reference to Jean Cocteau’s Beauty and the Beast) makes a promise to his dying wife (also Devenue) to remarry, but only to someone whose beauty surpasses his wife’s: in a sick twist, he latches onto the idea of marrying his daughter. It’s up to a fairy godmother (Delphine Seyrig) – who used to date the King – to set things right by making the daughter escape in disguise as a lowly gallery cook wearing a Donkey’s skin. There are lovely songs penned by Michel Legrand throughout (the baking scene is a highlight), humourous moments (the old woman who continually spits out frogs when she talks was a visual gag I couldn’t get enough of), wondrous slow motion shots, and anachronistic touches that speaks to the light-hearted tone of the production. Deneuve is charming and glamorous (and has to endure the acting challenge of wearing a fake Donkey head that is like blinders to her peripheral vision). A pure delight. Available to stream in Australia on Stan. Recommended.
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