Cousin Bette (1998)
A darkly comic tale of jealousy and revenge set in 19th-century Paris, brought to life by a stellar ensemble led by Jessica Lange.
Cousin Bette - Movie Information
- Original Title: Cousin Bette
- Release Year: 1998
- Directed by: Des McAnuff
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 48m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 12, 1998 (United States - R)
- Alternative Titles: Die Cousine im heißen Feuer der Eifersucht (DE), 贝薩表姓 (CN)
- Production Companies: Fox Searchlight Pictures
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America
Cousin Bette - Plot
In 19th century Paris, Bette Fischer, a poor and homely spinster, forms an alliance with the seductive courtesan Valerie Marneffe to orchestrate revenge on her handsome and wealthy relatives.
Cousin Bette - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the scheming begin:
Lust. Greed. Murder. Some things never go out of style.
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Cousin Bette - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Des McAnuff
Main Cast
- Jessica Lange
- Elisabeth Shue
- Bob Hoskins
- Hugh Laurie
- Kelly Macdonald
- Toby Stephens
- John Benfield
- Geraldine Chaplin
- Paul Bandey
- Laura Fraser
Writers
- Lynn Siefert
- Susan Tarr
Producers
- Sarah Radclyffe
- Philippe Guez
Cousin Bette - FAQs
Is Cousin Bette based on a true story?
Cousin Bette is not based on a true story. It is adapted from Honoré de Balzac's 1846 novel La Cousine Bette, part of his celebrated La Comédie humaine series. The story is a fictional exploration of jealousy, revenge, and moral corruption in 19th-century Parisian society.
Who plays Cousin Bette in the 1998 film?
Jessica Lange plays the title role of Cousin Bette, the embittered spinster who orchestrates revenge against her wealthy relatives. Elisabeth Shue co-stars as the seductive courtesan Valerie Marneffe, with Bob Hoskins, Hugh Laurie, Kelly Macdonald, and Geraldine Chaplin rounding out the principal cast.
What is Cousin Bette about?
Set in 19th-century Paris, Cousin Bette follows Bette Fischer, a poor and overlooked spinster who forges an unlikely alliance with the cunning courtesan Valerie Marneffe. Together they manipulate and scheme against Bette's glamorous, privileged relatives, unleashing a darkly comic spiral of lust, greed, and calculated vengeance.
What is the age rating for Cousin Bette?
Cousin Bette is rated R in the United States. The rating reflects the film's mature themes, including sexuality, seduction, and morally complex scheming. Viewer discretion is advised for younger audiences.
How does Jessica Lange portray Bette's jealousy?
Jessica Lange delivers a controlled, slow-burning performance, conveying Bette's decades of suppressed resentment through restrained gestures and sharp, watchful eyes. Rather than melodrama, Lange channels the character's bitterness into a quietly menacing presence, making Bette's eventual scheming feel both inevitable and darkly satisfying.
Where can I stream or watch Cousin Bette?
Cousin Bette is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It is also available to stream for free on Hoopla. Availability may vary by region.
How long is Cousin Bette?
Cousin Bette has a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes (108 minutes). The film was released theatrically in the United States on June 12, 1998, and is rated R.
What genre is Cousin Bette?
Cousin Bette is a period comedy-drama with strong romantic elements. It blends dark humor with melodrama, drawing on its Balzac source material to craft a sharp, satirical portrait of 19th-century Parisian society, class ambition, and the destructive power of envy and desire.
More About Cousin Bette
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