You are here:

Princess of Cleves

Name: Princess of Cleves
Director: Jean Delannoy
Released: 1961
Duration: 101 min

Representation Score

1.2/10

Minimal

1961

Director

Jean Delannoy

Runtime

101 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Jean Delannoy’s adaptation is a traditional historical drama that emphasizes period accuracy and classical social hierarchies. It provides a detailed look at the internal psychological world of a noblewoman within a strict 16th-century French court. The film highlights the intellectual and emotional autonomy of the female protagonist through her internal moral conflicts. However, this depth is limited to a narrow, traditional context. Overall, the film lacks complexity in its portrayal of diverse identities and social structures. It upholds the social and religious institutions of the time rather than questioning them.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Princess of Cleves have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses solely on heterosexual relationships and does not depict any non-traditional gender identities. The protagonist faces a conflict between her marital duties and her feelings towards a male character, but no other LGBTQ+ identities are shown.

How does Princess of Cleves portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around the Princess's intellectual and emotional independence. Set in a patriarchal monarchy, her internal struggle for moral integrity drives the plot. The film does not challenge traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Princess of Cleves?

Minimal

The casting reflects the specific ethnic makeup of the 16th-century Renaissance aristocracy, without incorporating modern diversity. The film does not include actors from different racial backgrounds.

How does Princess of Cleves represent religion and culture?

Limited

The narrative is deeply rooted in Western aristocratic traditions and the Catholic Church. These traditional structures are presented as fundamental to the characters' lives.

Does Princess of Cleves include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible or invisible disabilities among the main characters or in the storyline. Disability is not used as a tool for character development.

Present on Screen

The film offers a meaningful portrayal of a woman's intellectual and emotional independence.
The protagonist's internal moral struggles serve as a complex driver of the plot.

Limited or Absent

The film does not depict any non-traditional gender identities or LGBTQ+ representation.
The casting is uniform and does not include actors from different racial or ethnic backgrounds.
The narrative reinforces traditional social and religious hierarchies without critiquing them.

Official Synopsis

A teen marries the Prince of Clèves, more than twice her age, which makes her an official Princess, a position she takes to heart. Although distracted by elite entertainments often found at court, the princess cannot help but mourn her impossible love for the dashing Duke of Nemours.

How are these scores produced? →