Sep. 23, 2021|Hungary | Germany | France | Italy|169 Min.|n/A
Genre: Drama;Romance
Description: In Ildikó Enyedi’s *The Story of My Wife*, the Hungarian director returns to Cannes for the first time since her 1989 debut, *My Twentieth Century*, which won the Camera d’Or. This film, set in the 1920s and 1930s, features stunning production design by Imola Lang and a captivating performance by Léa Seydoux. Despite its visual appeal, the movie struggles under the weight of its nearly three-hour runtime and a narrative that feels increasingly burdened.
The story primarily focuses on Jakob Störr, a seasoned sea captain portrayed by Gijs Naber. Jakob is urged by his ship’s cook to marry as a remedy for his chronic stomach pain. In a moment of fate, he decides to wed the first woman who walks through the door of a Parisian café. That woman turns out to be Lizzy, played by Seydoux, whose playful and sultry demeanor initially seems like a stroke of luck for Jakob.
However, their marriage is plagued by Jakob’s persistent doubts about Lizzy’s fidelity, a suspicion that grows during his long absences at sea and even when they settle in Paris and Hamburg. Seydoux’s portrayal of Lizzy, with her seductive yet dismissive attitude, keeps Jakob in a constant state of uncertainty, embodying the enigma of femininity.
Despite its striking visuals and strong performances, *The Story of My Wife* struggles to maintain momentum, making it a watchable but flawed cinematic experience.
Cast director: Ildikó Enyedi
Cast actor: Léa Seydoux, Gijs Naber, Louis Garrel, Josef Hader, Sergio Rubini, Jasmine Trinca, Luna Wedler, Simone Coppo, Romane Bohringer, Ulrich Matthes
Original name: A feleségem története