Cheri – 5

A must for lovers of Art Nouveau – dec arts and fashion – optional for the rest, this apparent synthesis of two Belle Epoque novels by Collette defines “longueur”  (languor?) in the person of the title character, played by sole-eyed Rupert Friend. Now, if Michelle Pfeiffer were French, or even sounded, like the estimable Kathy Bates does, less American, the movie might have rated a 6 or 7 on looks and charm. As it is, though, one is left wondering how the Stephen Frears of My Beautiful Launderette has come to imitate  Merchant-Ivory, and so flaccidly at that.