The Affair of the Necklace

The Affair of the Necklace is a 2001 film is based on what became known as the Affair of the Diamond Necklace, an incident that helped fuel the French populace's disillusionment with the monarchy and, among other causes, eventually led to the French Revolution.

Directed by Charles Shyer and written by John Sweet.

Her Birthright Was Stolen. Her Dignity Taken. Her Rights Denied. Deception Was The Only Option. taglines

One woman's passion for justice will bring down an empire taglines

Jeanne St. Remy de Valois

• [upon hearing her verdict] What ever fate awaits me, it cannot comp... compare to the pain I have... when all you hold dear is taken and you have nothing left, risk is of little consequence. And when a ray of hope came into view, I reached for it with all my might. I realise... I realise now that it is too late, that honor does not live in the name. It comes from what you carry in your heart. I realize, now that it is too late, that honor does not live in the name. It comes from what you carry in your heart.

Marie-Antoinette

• Why do the people hate me? 'Wasn't always so.
• I shall give them what they want. I will sit here quietly in my disgrace. It's what they've always wanted!

Count Nicolas De La Motte

• [on hearing about the necklace plot] I knew something grand was a foot. You can rest assured I will be an asset to this venture.

Cardinal Louis de Rohan

• [to Jeanne, after meeting with the fake Antoinette] I know what you're up to. Antoinette is secretly in love with me. Deny it if you will, but don't ask me to play the fool.

Minister Breteuil

• To Jeanne, the whole of the necklace was not as glorious as what its parts could yield. It was a means to an end. And though I will not justify the actions of the young countess, I late came to understand her reasoning. (pauses) Who does not aspire to take back what was taken from them? Who does not dream of returning home?
• [to Louis about Antoinette wanting public vindication] The queen offers up a sweet plum before ravens. Pray none takes a bite.

Dialogue

Rétaux de Vilette: Conspiracy was not all that held us together.

Jeanne St. Remy de Valois: Save yourself. I want you to.

---

Count Nicolas De La Motte: [lying on a table in pain as a doctor tries removes the bullet from his behind] Goddamn! Goddamn! Are you digging for potatoes? Go easy!

Dr. Legear: I did not tell how to get this projectile where it is! Do not presume to tell me how to get it out!

---

Marie-Antoinette: If you weaken the monarchy, you undermine the entire nation.

Jeanne St. Remy de Valois: You weakened yourselves long before a necklace became the issue.

Quotes about The Affair of the Necklace

• French history is reduced to the level of American tabloid-style gossip in [this] staggeringly misguided stab at making the past come alive by people who have absolutely no feel for period filmmaking. Banal at best and laughable at worst.
  • Todd McCarthy, "The Affair of the Necklace", Variety, 21 November 2001
• The earnest ineptitude of the picture makes it all the more painful to watch gifted actors . . . waste gravity and conviction on roles that could be saved only by parody.
  • A. O. Scott, "A Tale of the Necklace That Ate the Monarchy", New York Times, 30 November 2001