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Today, the spouses of politicians are often very involved in their partner’s work. But there was a time when leaders’ wives were expected to do little more than look pretty—to be seen but certainly not heard. But the fictional biography Corsage follows a monarch’s wife who’s grown tired of keeping up appearances.
Corsage offers a fictional look at a difficult year for Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Vicky Krieps). Once famous for her great beauty, she finds herself the subject of greater and greater scrutiny once she turns 40. As her husband, Emperor Franz Joseph (Florian Teichtmeister), is busy ruling the country, refusing to involve her in any political matters, Elisabeth is increasingly bored and restless, dissatisfied with the expectations placed upon her. So she spends as much time as possible traveling abroad, looking for different ways to keep herself entertained.
Elisabeth is a smart woman. She understands the complicated politics of the country, yet she’s not allowed to offer her views. Her job is simply to care for the Emperor’s children and be ready to stand at her husband’s side when needed. But while many women of her time were content to do just that, Elisabeth—at the shocking old age of 40—begins to rebel.
Though this story takes place nearly a century and a half ago, female viewers of a certain age may still understand this fictionalized character’s fear and frustration. She struggles to live up to the people’s image of her: her great beauty, her braided hair, her tiny waist. She spends her days exercising, eating just a sliver or two of orange while those around her enjoy decadent meals. She insists that her corset be tied tighter and tighter—yet when she appears in public, the papers continue to point out that she’s not as thin as she once was.
What plays out here wasn’t exactly the character’s reality. In fact, some of the surprising modern additions to the story make it quite clear that it’s a reimagining of history. But it’s certainly a captivating depiction of a woman who’s tired of keeping up appearances—and this bold film is enhanced by an even bolder lead performance, giving this beloved historical figure more depth and strength than women of her time were generally afforded.
Corsage takes the story of a renowned figure and gives it a brave, rebellious twist. Some may be offended by this irreverent—and unashamedly feminist—take on history, but it offers a clever and thoughtful perspective.
Corsage arrives in select theaters on December 23, 2022.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
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